Principal GNC/ACS Engineer

Albedo; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 250,000 - 265,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company is seeking a Principal GNC/ACS Engineer to lead the development of cutting-edge Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems for their VLEO satellites. As part of a dynamic team, you will tackle significant technical challenges and contribute to the optimization of satellite performance. This role offers the opportunity to work on advanced technologies that are revolutionizing the space industry. Join a forward-thinking organization that values creativity and collaboration, and make a direct impact on the future of satellite technology and Earth observation.

Benefits

Equity

Flexible hours

401k

Health insurance

Parental leave

Relocation bonus

Flexible vacation

Wellness benefits

Team retreats

Qualifications

• 7-12+ years in GNC/ACS; 5+ years in remote sensing control systems.
• Strong fundamentals in attitude knowledge, control, and pointing stability.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of optimization-based solutions for spacecraft guidance and control.
• Analyze control system integration and collaborate with structural teams.

Skills

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC)

Attitude Control Systems (ACS)

Remote Sensing Control Systems

Quaternion Kinematics

Kalman Filters

Real-time Embedded Control Software Development

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal GNC/ACS Engineer role at Albedo.

Albedo is revolutionizing the space industry by building technology to commercialize Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Our first satellite, Clarity-1, is built upon our Precision bus, our VLEO-optimized platform designed specifically to thrive where other satellites cannot. With the successful launch of Clarity-1, we've proven our ability to deliver the highest resolution visible (10cm) and thermal (2m) imagery available commercially from space—a resolution previously possible only with aircraft and drones, now available globally and on-demand.

As part of the first 100 employees at Albedo, you will have a direct impact on scaling production of our Precision bus, supporting the Clarity constellation, and serving our customers with high-resolution data. Our mission involves working on hardware performance, optimizing satellite pointing algorithms, and providing imagery for applications like wildfire risk reduction, carbon emission monitoring, and national security.

How We Operate: We take calculated risks, try new approaches, and move quickly. We adopt an AI-first mentality to create leverage for ourselves and our customers, operating in a challenging but exciting space that most avoid.

Who We're Looking For: We need innovative thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about pushing technological boundaries. You will join a team that has already achieved the impossible with Clarity-1 and will be tackling top-tier technical challenges in VLEO technology, AI integration, and satellite development.

Role Overview: We are seeking a Principal GNC/ACS Engineer to lead the development of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) and Attitude Control Systems (ACS). Responsibilities include mission analysis, constellation deployment strategies, on-orbit calibration, working with suppliers, and ensuring system requirements are met.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead development of optimization-based solutions for spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control.
• Model and develop low jitter, fine pointing maneuvers; analyze image motion effects.
• Develop error budgets and simulations for vibration and structural dynamics.
• Review vehicle control systems, avionics, and flight software.
• Participate in the development, assembly, testing of satellites and components.
• Develop flight constraints and guidance parameters.
• Analyze control system integration and collaborate with structural teams.
• Identify and communicate risks; support testing and configuration studies.
• Develop geolocation, pointing, and image motion budgets.
• Travel to supplier locations as needed.

Your Skills and Experience:

• 7-12+ years in GNC/ACS; 5+ years in remote sensing control systems.
• Strong fundamentals in attitude knowledge, control, and pointing stability.
• Experience with scanning imaging sensors, vehicle maneuvering, CMG systems, and structural dynamics requirements.
• Familiarity with quaternion kinematics, Kalman filters, orbit prediction, and modern guidance algorithms.
• Experience in real-time embedded control software development.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with agile scanning imaging satellites, supplier collaboration, control tuning, and advanced control techniques.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Equity, flexible hours, 401k, health insurance, parental leave, relocation bonus, flexible vacation, wellness benefits, team retreats.

Salary range: $250,000 - $264,500 annually. Final compensation depends on experience and company needs.

Work Environment: Full-time, on-site in Denver, CO, with potential travel. Work in office, lab, or cleanroom settings.

Additional requirements include U.S. work eligibility, and Albedo is an equal opportunity employer.

Other Details: Relocation assistance available; seniority level is Mid-Senior; employment type is full-time; industry is aerospace.