Lead Flight-Critical GN&C Architect & Autonomy

Fortastra; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Comprehensive Healthcare

Equity

401(k)

Team events

Job summary

Fortastra seeks a Head of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) to define and lead flight-critical autonomy for its spacecraft portfolio. This technical leadership role demands deep expertise in control theory, estimation, and orbital mechanics, and a track record of delivering flight-proven systems.

You will own GN&C architecture across programs, set technical direction, and build a high-performing team capable of delivering autonomy from concept through flight in demanding environments.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in spacecraft GN&C or autonomous systems.
• Ownership of flight-critical GN&C systems from concept to on-orbit operations.
• Deep expertise in control systems, nonlinear dynamics, and Kalman filtering.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++.
• Experience embedding GN&C algorithms into flight software and HIL environments.
• Strong systems engineering mindset across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end GN&C architecture across spacecraft programs, ensuring performance and robustness.
• Define and drive technical strategy for autonomy-enabled control systems.
• Lead design, implementation, and validation of GNC algorithms for RPO and formation flying.
• Oversee ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation systems.
• Establish engineering standards and verification methodologies.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-caliber GN&C team.
• Act as the technical authority for GN&C in executive decisions and reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Control theory

State estimation

RPO

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Embedded software

Systems engineering

Orbital mechanics

Education

Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical engineering degree

Tools

HIL

Job description

Fortastra seeks a Head of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) to define and lead flight-critical autonomy for its spacecraft portfolio. This technical leadership role demands deep expertise in control theory, estimation, and orbital mechanics, and a track record of delivering flight-proven systems.

You will own GN&C architecture across programs, set technical direction, and build a high-performing team capable of delivering autonomy from concept through flight in demanding environments.