Satellite Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer

General Atomics; Herndon (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics in Herndon, VA seeks a GNC Engineer to join the CSS group on-site. You will develop GN&C algorithms for satellite missions, design RPO systems, and contribute to attitude control simulations in a fast-paced national security environment.

The role requires advanced engineering degrees and strong skills in C/C++, Matlab/Simulink, and GNSS, with leadership and cross-team communication capabilities.

Qualifications

• Typically requires bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in engineering or related field.
• Experience in satellite attitude and orbit control systems.
• Experience with GNSS technology and Monte Carlo simulation analysis.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop GN&C algorithms for satellite missions.
• RPO system design, implementation, simulation and testing.
• Establish and execute satellite attitude control simulation software.
• Analyze stability and robustness of control algorithms using Monte Carlo simulations.
• Lead design activities and coordinate workloads.

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We have an exciting opportunity for a GNC Engineer to join our CSS group located in Herndon, VA. The CSS group provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) algorithms for satellite missions.
• Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) system design, implementation, simulation and testing.
• Establish, maintain and execute satellite attitude control simulation software.
• Analyze the stability and robustness of guidance and control algorithms using control theory and Monte Carlo simulations.
• Undertake requirements capture, performance trades and design activities.
• Actively participate in system level design of satellite systems across all project phases, through attitude control subsystem architectural design development.
• Provides direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Note that the Herndon team works a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off. In addition, this position is entirely in person.
GA-EMS recognizes and appreciates the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcomes all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, seven or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates an extensive technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice with the ability to organize, plan, schedule, conduct, and coordinate workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones with some experience in project leadership.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Experience in satellite attitude and orbit control systems.
• Experience with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, and implementations in satellite systems and their applications.
• Experience with physics-based modeling of dynamic systems and Monte Carlo simulation analysis.
• Experience developing software in C/C++ and Matlab/Simulink.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective leadership interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• Must be able to work on a self-initiated basis and in a team environment.
• Able to work extended hours as required and adaptable to changing priorities and workloads.
• US Citizenship is required as is the ability to maintain a Top Secret Security Clearance.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 109,500 - 187,875