Lead GNC Architect for RPOD & SDA

Katalyst Space; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Relocation bonus

Comprehensive medical, vision, dental

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Katalyst Space in Colorado seeks a GNC engineer to design, implement, and test navigation and control algorithms for rendezvous and proximity operations spacecraft. You’ll work across SDA and RPOD domains, developing in‑flight software and simulations.

The role emphasizes architecture, state estimation, orbit dynamics, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation, requiring Python and C/C++, Git/Linux expertise, and a collaborative startup mindset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline is required.
• 5+ years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control.
• Proficient in Python; C/C++ development experience.
• Experience with GNC sensors, actuators and related algorithms.
• Ability to lead projects in a fast-paced startup.
• Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design and in-orbit operations.

Responsibilities

• Architect solutions around space domain awareness and RPOD with emphasis on autonomy from hardware and software perspectives.
• Evaluate techniques such as machine learning, physics-informed, stochastic methods, and Kalman filters.
• Assist with feasibility analysis and engage with private/public partners and DoD partners.
• Develop architecture, lead trade studies, and guide the GNC team from concept to flight for RPOD missions.
• Design algorithms, simulations, and tools for orbit determination and state estimation.
• Build and test modeling tools for orbital dynamics and sensor modeling.
• Six degree-of-freedom modeling and validation of spacecraft dynamics and sensors.

Skills

Guidance, navigation, and control

Python programming

C/C++ programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline

Tools

Git

Linux

Basilisk

Job description

Katalyst Space in Colorado seeks a GNC engineer to design, implement, and test navigation and control algorithms for rendezvous and proximity operations spacecraft. You’ll work across SDA and RPOD domains, developing in‑flight software and simulations.

The role emphasizes architecture, state estimation, orbit dynamics, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation, requiring Python and C/C++, Git/Linux expertise, and a collaborative startup mindset.