Principal GNC Engineer

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering aerospace company dedicated to advancing technology in spacecraft manufacturing. As the Principal GNC, you will lead the development of innovative GNC solutions for a range of spacecraft platforms, collaborating with cross-functional teams while directly contributing to critical projects that shape the future of space exploration.

Benefits

Equity in the company

Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans

Comprehensive PTO package

401(k) plan and matching

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch and unlimited snacks

Community events

Dream desk setup and tools

Opportunity to impact aerospace industry

Qualifications

• 12+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS.
• 5+ years developing or operating spacecraft/satellites.
• Experience leading a team and interfacing with aerospace customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead architect for GNC design, modeling, and analysis.
• Develop flight software and autonomy tools for spacecraft.
• Plan and maintain team schedules and report technical status.

Skills

Leadership

GNC Design

Simulation

Interfacing with Customers

Software Development

Team Management

Education

BS in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Advanced degrees preferred

Tools

Jira

IMU

Star Trackers

Gyroscopes

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.

Based out of Apex’s global headquarters in Playa Vista, the Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) 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:

1. 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
2. Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product
3. Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
4. GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design
5. Test process development and execution
6. Define fault detection and response
7. Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
8. Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
9. Support internal and external design reviews
10. Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status

Requirements:

1. BS and 12+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS, advanced degrees preferred
2. 5+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellites
3. Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports
4. Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
5. Experience in Jira planning and workflow
6. Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
7. Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data
8. Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
9. Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
10. Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle
11. Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
12. Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work

Benefits

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 offer the following benefits:

• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered.
• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.
• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks!
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!
• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.
• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.

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.