Principal GNC Engineer

Katalyst; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Employee stock options

Discretionary bonuses

Comprehensive medical, vision, dental

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Katalyst is seeking a senior GNC-focused engineer in Colorado to architect, implement, and validate autonomy-oriented space mission solutions. The role emphasizes hardware-software integration, flight software concepts, and rigorous testing under ITAR constraints.

You will lead trade studies, develop algorithms for orbit determination and state estimation, and collaborate with DoD/private partners. A 5+ year background in GNC and Python development is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline.
• 5+ years in guidance, navigation, and control.
• Python software development experience.
• Experience deploying GNC sensors/algorithms to real-world apps.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomous startup environment.
• Proven ability to lead a project from concept to completion.
• Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Architect solutions for space mission objectives with autonomy focus.
• Lead design and testing of orbit determination, state estimation, and SDA tools.
• Collaborate across hardware/software teams and support CONOPS and testing.

Skills

Python

GNC sensors

Leadership

Autonomy

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline

Tools

Git

Linux

Basilisk

C/C++

Job description

Katalyst Description:

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You'll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it's harder. You'll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architecture and Investigation: Architect solutions necessary to accomplish space mission objectives around space domain awareness and RPOD with an emphasis on autonomy, from both a hardware and software perspective. Evaluate and select appropriate techniques to achieve mission such as machine learning methods, physics-informed solutions, stochastic methods, Kalman Filters, etc. Assist in proposal capture efforts with feasibility analysis and engage with private/public partners, Department of Defense, Other Government Agencies, and other commercial partnerships.
• Architecture Design: Develop architecture, lead trade studies and lead GNC team from conceptualization to flight for RPOD missions. Design algorithms, simulations, and tools for orbit determination, state estimation, uncertainty propagation to support SDA efforts. Analyze and source datasets for training and validation or algorithm performance. Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital/cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling, and visualization. Six degree of freedom modeling, simulation and validation of space craft dynamics, sensors and algorithms, including for RPOD missions.
• Implementation: Collaborate with the software and GNC teams to implement algorithm in flight software. Heavily support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation. Design concepts of operations (CONOPS) that balance thermal, power, momentum and communications for spacecraft missions. Provide mission operations training and support.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience working in guidance, navigation, and control
• Software development experience in Python
• Experience developing, debugging, and deploying GNC sensors, effectors and algorithms that have been used in real world applications/projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion
• Additional Requirements : Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Desired:

• Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design, testing, verification/validation and in-orbit mission operations
• Expertise in either guidance, navigation or control
• Experience with multi-body astrodynamics
• Experience with Git, Linux and Basilisk
• Software development experience in C/C++
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Compensation and Benefits:

• Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
• The anticipated salary range for this role is $180,000 - $280,000 annually.
• Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst.
• You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses.
• You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.