Principal GNC Engineer

Apex Technology, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Technology, Inc. seeks a Principal GNC Engineer to lead the development of spacecraft guidance and control systems. This role involves collaboration across engineering teams and direct interaction with clients to ensure mission success. Join a fast-growing startup and contribute to the future of space exploration.

Benefits

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision

15-20 days PTO plus 10 paid holidays

Equity options available

Competitive 401(k) matching

Daily catered lunch

Paid parental leave

Office with EV chargers

Vibrant community events

Personalized workspace

Opportunities for real impact

Qualifications

• 12+ years experience in GNC/ADCS preferred.
• Hands-on experience with GNC hardware.
• Demonstrated experience developing flight software.

Responsibilities

• Lead GNC design for spacecraft.
• Develop flight software and algorithms.
• Plan and maintain development schedules.

Skills

Leadership

GNC Design

Flight Software Implementation

Spacecraft Operations

Jira Planning

System Integration

Testing and Validation

Education

BS in Engineering

Advanced Degree Preferred

Tools

Jira

IMU

Simulation Software

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

About the Role

Based out of Apex’s global headquarters in Playa Vista, the Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer is responsible for leading GNC development for Apex’s growing fleet of spacecraft platforms. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T. You will be responsible for planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Control Software organization in executing leading edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities:

• Lead architect responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, and RPOD

• Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product

• Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management

• GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design

• Test process development and execution

• Define fault detection and response

• Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation

• Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools

• Support internal and external design reviews

• Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status

Requirements:

• BS and 12+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS, advanced degrees preferred

• 5+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellites

• Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports

• Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors

• Experience in Jira planning and workflow

• Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware

• Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software

• Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution

• Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle

• Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team

• Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work

Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series C funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer:

• Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

• Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

• Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day

• Vibrant community: Monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, run club, and social gatherings for you and your family

• Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self

• World-class Playa Vista office with EV chargers, with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

• Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.