Principal GNC / Controls Architect – Spacecraft Systems

Pulse Space; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Pulse Space is seeking a Principal GNC / Controls Architect to lead the design and development of estimation, navigation, and control algorithms for next-generation spacecraft and satellite constellations. The role focuses on precision pointing, real-time control, and system-level modeling, enabling high-performance spacecraft operation in demanding environments.

You will mentor engineers and collaborate across avionics, FPGA, and software teams.

Qualifications

• MS degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years in spacecraft GNC or related fields.
• Strong expertise in linear systems, control theory, estimation, and dynamic modeling.
• Experience building simulation environments for spacecraft and multi-satellite systems.
• Proven experience with real-time GNC implementation and sensor integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze estimation and flight control algorithms for spacecraft attitude and translational dynamics.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity models and simulations of spacecraft and constellations for system-level performance evaluation.
• Design and implement real-time GNC algorithms for angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors.
• Develop and apply optimal state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filters) for robust navigation and control.
• Lead trade studies and architecture decisions for control systems and estimation strategies.

Skills

Linear systems

Control theory

Estimation techniques

Kalman filters

Real-time implementation

Simulation/modeling

System-level design

Leadership/mentorship

GNC architectures

Inter-satellite coordination

Education

MS degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field

PhD in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

HIL simulation

FPGA

Real-time hardware integration

Job description

Position SummaryWe are seeking a highly experienced Principal GNC / Controls Architect to lead the design and development of advanced estimation, navigation, and control algorithms for next-generation spacecraft and satellite constellations. This role focuses on precision pointing, real-time control, and system-level modeling, enabling high-performance spacecraft operation in demanding mission environments. The ideal candidate will combine deep expertise in linear systems, estimation theory, and control design with hands-on experience in simulation and real-time implementation. You will play a critical role in enabling high-accuracy pointing, inter-satellite coordination, and beam-steering capabilities, including applications such as power beaming. You will operate in a dynamic, flexible environment, working alongside highly talented engineers across avionics, optomechanics, and systems engineering. Our mission is to enable human space exploration and expand humanity's reach beyond our planet, while advancing technologies that improve life on Earth.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze estimation and flight control algorithms for spacecraft attitude and translational dynamics using linear and modern control methods.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity models and simulations of individual spacecraft and LEO constellations for system-level performance evaluation.
• Design and implement real-time GNC algorithms for angular and translational navigation using onboard sensors.
• Develop and apply optimal state estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filters and variants) for robust navigation and control.
• Design precision pointing and stabilization algorithms to achieve low jitter and high line-of-sight accuracy.
• Develop beam-steering and tracking algorithms, including satellite acquisition and hand-off logic for power beaming or inter-satellite link applications.
• Perform open-loop and closed-loop simulations, assessing stability, robustness, and performance under realistic conditions.
• Collaborate with avionics, FPGA, and software teams to define real-time implementation requirements and system interfaces.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop testing, system validation, and on-orbit performance verification.
• Lead trade studies and architecture decisions for control systems and estimation strategies.
• Mentor and grow a team of GNC and controls engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.

Basic Qualifications

• MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in spacecraft GNC, control systems, or related fields.
• Strong expertise in linear systems, control theory, estimation techniques, and dynamic system modeling.
• Experience developing simulation environments for spacecraft and multi-satellite systems.
• Proven experience with real-time GNC implementation and sensor integration.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC architecture and control system design.
• Expertise in precision pointing systems, line-of-sight stabilization, and jitter control.
• Experience with constellation-level control, inter-satellite coordination, or formation flying.
• Familiarity with beam steering systems and advanced tracking algorithms.
• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation and flight software integration.

Competencies

• Strong systems-level thinking with the ability to architect complex control systems.
• Deep understanding of spacecraft dynamics, estimation, and closed-loop control.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentorship skills.
• Passion for space exploration and developing technologies that advance human life on Earth.