Lead ADCS/GNC Engineer for Spacecraft Attitude & Dynamics

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute seeks a Lead Engineer - Sr. Research Engineer in ADCS/GNC to design and deploy advanced attitude control systems for space missions. You will develop high‑fidelity simulations and guide mission design, while leading a technical team across disciplines.

The role requires deep experience in ADCS/GNC, flight software or HIL environments, and collaboration with propulsion, avionics, and systems teams to ensure robust spacecraft performance.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelors or a Masters in Aerospace Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• 6-10 years: expertise in simulation development and control/guidance for spacecraft; deployment to flight or on-orbit operations.
• 6-10 years: experience implementing GNC/ADCS algorithms in flight software or hardware-in-the-loop environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine spacecraft ADCS/GNC architectures, algorithms, and flight software; build and validate 3D/6DOF simulations.
• Perform spacecraft dynamics and control analysis, including performance assessments and sensitivity studies.
• Support mission design activities, including trajectory design and maneuver planning.
• Participate in integration, verification, and validation activities and flight readiness efforts.
• Collaborate with multiple subsystems to ensure robust end-to-end spacecraft performance.
• Document designs and results; present findings to cross-functional teams.

Skills

Python

C++

MATLAB

ADCS/GNC

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace/Space Systems/Electrical Engineering

Job description

Southwest Research Institute seeks a Lead Engineer - Sr. Research Engineer in ADCS/GNC to design and deploy advanced attitude control systems for space missions. You will develop high‑fidelity simulations and guide mission design, while leading a technical team across disciplines.

The role requires deep experience in ADCS/GNC, flight software or HIL environments, and collaboration with propulsion, avionics, and systems teams to ensure robust spacecraft performance.