Propulsion Engineer

Sky Limit Systems; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Sky Limit Systems seeks a GNC Lead Engineer to drive analysis, design, and integration of guidance, navigation, and control for space launch programs. You will develop algorithms, vehicle models, and perform simulations from design through flight testing.

The role requires 4–6 years in GNC or flight dynamics, with strong MATLAB/Simulink skills and experience in a multidisciplinary aerospace environment. Collaboration with avionics, software, and propulsion teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in a technical discipline (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related).
• 4–6 years of professional GNC/flight dynamics experience.
• Experience with launch vehicles or other flight systems preferred.
• Strong knowledge of guidance, navigation, controls, dynamics, estimation, and flight mechanics.
• Experience with 6-DOF simulations and dynamic models.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink; programming in Python or C/C++.

Responsibilities

• Lead GNC analysis, design, development, and integration for space launch vehicle programs.
• Develop and evaluate guidance algorithms, navigation solutions, and vehicle control systems.
• Create and maintain 6-DOF simulations and dynamic vehicle models to assess performance.
• Perform stability analysis, control design, trajectory analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and performance assessments.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, integration, qualification, and flight testing.
• Mentor other GNC engineers and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams.

Skills

GNC design

6-DOF simulations

MATLAB/Simulink

Python/C++

Flight dynamics

team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C/C++

Job description

GNC Lead Engineer – Space Launch Programs

Job Summary

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Lead Engineer to support the development, integration, and execution of GNC systems for space launch vehicle programs. This position will serve as a hands‑on technical lead, supporting GNC development from early design and simulation through integration, verification, testing, and flight.

The ideal candidate will have 4–6 years of GNC experience, preferably within launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, or other complex aerospace systems, with the ability to take technical ownership of GNC activities and coordinate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and perform GNC analysis, design, development, and integration for space launch vehicle programs.
• Develop and evaluate guidance algorithms, navigation solutions, and vehicle control systems.
• Develop and maintain 6-DOF simulations and dynamic vehicle models to evaluate system and mission performance.
• Perform stability analysis, control system design, trajectory analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and performance assessments.
• Support development of vehicle flight dynamics, control laws, state estimation, and navigation algorithms.
• Define GNC requirements and support requirements verification and system-level trade studies.
• Evaluate vehicle performance across nominal and off-nominal flight conditions.
• Support hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), integration, qualification, and flight testing.
• Analyze test and flight data and troubleshoot GNC-related performance issues.
• Work closely with flight software, avionics, propulsion, structures, systems, and test engineering teams.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to other GNC engineers while remaining actively involved in engineering analysis and development.
• Support technical reviews, design reviews, mission readiness activities, and launch/flight operations as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 4–6 years of professional experience in GNC, flight dynamics, controls, navigation, or a closely related aerospace discipline.
• Experience supporting launch vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, hypersonic vehicles, or other flight systems strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of guidance, navigation, controls, vehicle dynamics, estimation, and flight mechanics.
• Experience developing and working with 6-DOF simulations and dynamic models.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and experience with Python, C/C++, or similar engineering/programming tools.
• Experience with control system analysis, Monte Carlo analysis, simulation, and verification methodologies.
• Understanding of GNC integration with flight software, avionics, sensors, actuators, and propulsion systems.
• Ability to lead technical efforts, communicate engineering decisions, and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.