Head of GN&C for Autonomous Spacecraft

Fortastra; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 300,000 - 345,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Healthcare

Equity

401(k)

Social Events

Job summary

Fortastra in Torrance, CA, seeks a Head of Guidance, Navigation, and Control to define and lead flight-critical GN&C algorithms for autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and precision maneuvering. This is a technical leadership role with system-wide impact.

You will own GN&C architecture across spacecraft programs, set technical direction, and build a team capable of delivering flight-proven autonomy from concept through flight, reporting to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or autonomous system GN&C.
• Ownership of flight-critical GN&C systems from concept through on-orbit operations.
• Strong experience with relative motion and orbital mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end GN&C architecture across all spacecraft programs.
• Define and drive technical strategy and roadmap for autonomy-enabled control systems.
• Lead the design, implementation, and validation of GNC algorithms for RPO, formation flying, and precision maneuvering.
• Oversee development of ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation systems.
• Establish engineering standards, modeling practices, and verification methodologies.
• Drive integration of GN&C with flight software, autonomy, avionics, and mission systems.
• Lead hardware-in-the-loop and flight test campaigns for readiness.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-caliber GN&C team.
• Act as the technical authority and support executive decisions and program reviews.

Skills

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Control theory

Kalman filtering

RPO/formation flying

Embedded flight software

Education

B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

HIL environments

Embedded flight software toolchain

Job description

Fortastra in Torrance, CA, seeks a Head of Guidance, Navigation, and Control to define and lead flight-critical GN&C algorithms for autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and precision maneuvering. This is a technical leadership role with system-wide impact.

You will own GN&C architecture across spacecraft programs, set technical direction, and build a team capable of delivering flight-proven autonomy from concept through flight, reporting to senior leadership.