Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC), Controls Engineer

Axiom Space; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to work at our Space Station Development Facility. This role involves designing GNC algorithms for aerospace vehicles, analyzing performance, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, 4–9 years of experience, and proficiency in C++, MATLAB, and Python. This office environment may require outdoor work and flexibility in hours.

Qualifications

• 4–9 years of experience in aerospace engineering or related technical field.
• Experience developing attitude control systems on spacecraft.
• Familiarity with SWIL/HWIL testing and integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC algorithms for aerospace vehicles.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on flight test data.
• Conduct verification and validation activities including unit tests.

Skills

C++ proficiency

MATLAB proficiency

Python proficiency

Control law development

Problem-solving skills

High EQ and collaborative ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

6-DOF modeling

Monte Carlo simulations

NASA’s Trick framework

JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Senior GNC Engineer with a strong background in designing control systems for flight vehicles. The engineer will work onsite at our Space Station Development Facility and contribute to the development of GNC systems throughout the program lifecycle, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and applying a system‑level perspective.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, analyze, and implement GNC algorithms for aerospace vehicles.
• Develop and refine control laws using classical and modern techniques (PID, LQR, MPC, adaptive control, etc.).
• Evaluate and integrate spacecraft control effectors such as thrusters, reaction wheels, and CMGs.
• Perform 6‑DOF modeling, simulation, and performance analysis under nominal and off‑nominal conditions.
• Build high‑fidelity dynamic models of vehicles, sensors, actuators, and environmental disturbances.
• Conduct Monte Carlo analyses, sensitivity studies, and stability assessments to validate robustness and reliability.
• Use MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++ or similar environments to develop simulations.
• Translate GNC algorithms into flight‑ready software, ensuring numerical stability, computational efficiency, and real‑time performance.
• Collaborate with embedded software teams to integrate, test, and verify GNC functionality on HIL systems.
• Support the development of requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans for flight software.
• Plan and execute verification and validation activities including unit tests, SIL/HIL testing, and integrated system tests.
• Analyze flight test or mission data to assess GNC performance and identify improvement areas.
• Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for anomalies during testing or operations.
• Work with hardware teams to define performance requirements and ensure compatibility with the GNC architecture.
• Contribute to system‑level design reviews, requirements development, and architecture decisions.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and mission operations to align GNC solutions with overall vehicle design.
• Provide technical leadership on sub‑projects, mentor junior engineers, and support design trade studies.
• Prepare technical reports, design documentation, test plans, and analysis summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
• Present findings at design reviews, customer meetings, and cross‑disciplinary engineering forums.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, safety requirements, and certification processes.
• Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the lifecycle.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical field.
• 4–9 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing attitude control systems on flight vehicles, preferably spacecraft.
• Proficiency with C++, MATLAB, and/or Python coding languages.
• Strong knowledge of control law development, stability analysis, and system dynamics.
• Experience with momentum exchange actuators (reaction wheels, CMGs) and actuator testing.
• Experience with SWIL/HWIL testing, integration, and characterization.
• Experience with 6‑DOF Monte Carlo simulations and NASA’s Trick framework or JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD) preferred.
• Knowledge of optimization techniques such as least squares and linear/quadratic programming.
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments.
• Proven ability to deliver high‑quality results under tight deadlines.
• Strong judgment, problem‑solving skills, and proactive impact on challenges.
• Passion for space, entrepreneurial mindset, perseverance, and adaptability.
• High EQ and collaborative ability across teams.
• Tech‑savvy in using tools and systems to work faster and smarter.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily an office environment; may involve indoor or outdoor work based on tasks.
• Must complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency is required.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical milestones.
• Physical requirements include sitting or standing for most of the time; may lift up to 25 lbs (rare).
• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.) will be provided.

EEO STATEMENT

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics.