Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC) Simulation Engineer

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

Job summary

Axiom Space is seeking an experienced GNC Engineer to join their team. The role involves designing and implementing guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for aerospace vehicles. Candidates must possess a strong technical background in aerospace simulations and excellent communication skills. This position is based onsite at the Space Station Development Facility and requires proactive engagement in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering with 4-9 years of relevant experience, proficient in C++, Python, and Matlab, and familiar with GNC technology domains.

Qualifications

• 4–9 years of experience in aerospace engineering or related field.
• Experience developing 6-DOF Monte Carlo simulations.
• Familiarity with Software/Hardware in the Loop (SIL/HIL).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC algorithms and simulations.
• Validate simulation models against test data.
• Conduct performance analysis to assess system behavior.

Skills

Aerospace vehicle simulation

C/C++ programming

Python programming

Matlab

6-DOF simulations

Monte Carlo analysis

Agile project management

System-level design

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

NASA’s TRICK simulation framework

Linux

Git

Job description

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station – Axiom Station, a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space. Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low‑Earth orbit.

Position Summary

We are looking for a resilient, high‑energy, experienced GNC Engineer with experience developing aerospace vehicle simulation models. The engineer will work in a fast‑paced environment to contribute to the development of GNC simulation development and analysis across the program lifecycle for Axiom Space’s modules. The successful engineer will work well across multidisciplinary teams and use a system‑level understanding when implementing their design. The role requires strong technical background, organizational time management and adept communication skills. Will be based onsite at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF).

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, and implement GNC algorithms & simulations for aerospace vehicles.
• Maintain and develop analysis tools, regression test scenarios, Monte Carlo framework and simulation architecture.
• Perform 6‑DOF modeling, simulation, and performance analysis to evaluate system behavior under nominal and off‑nominal conditions.
• Build high‑fidelity dynamic models of vehicles, sensors, actuators, and environmental models.
• Conduct Monte Carlo analyses and sensitivity studies to validate robustness and reliability.
• Validate simulation models against test data and engineering expectations.
• Use programming languages including C/C++, Python, and Matlab to develop simulations.
• Collaborate with embedded software teams to integrate, test, and verify GNC functionality on hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) systems.
• Support 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 areas for improvement.
• Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for anomalies observed during testing or operations.
• Work with hardware teams to define performance requirements and ensure compatibility with GNC architecture.
• Contribute to system‑level design reviews, requirements development, and architecture decisions.
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and mission operations teams to ensure GNC solutions align 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 project lifecycle.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical degree.
• 4–9 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing with 6‑DOF Monte‑Carlo simulations of aerospace vehicles.
• Experience with NASA’s TRICK simulation framework and JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD) preferred.
• Proficient with C++, Matlab, Python coding languages.
• Development experience in a Linux environment.
• Experience with Software/Hardware in the Loop (SIL/HIL) development, analysis and test.
• Experience validating simulation models (e.g., sensor/actuator models).
• Broad understanding of GNC technology domains.
• Experience with Git, CI/CD pipeline development/maintenance.
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast‑moving environments.
• Proven ability to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving judgement, proactive and positively impacting hard challenges.
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset, grit, perseverance, resourceful, adaptable.
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross‑functionally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Competencies

• Accountability.
• Sense of urgency.
• Extreme ownership.
• Execution and delivery efficiency.
• Effectiveness.

Work Environment

Generally an office setting, with possible inside or outside work depending on tasks.

Requirements

• Complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency is a requirement.
• Willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time).
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time).

Equal Opportunity Employment

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