Senior Engineer - GNC

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.; Merritt Island (FL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. on Merritt Island, FL is seeking an experienced Senior GNC Engineer to lead satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Control development across the full lifecycle.

The role requires hands-on design and analysis of GNC systems, sensors, actuators, flight software, and algorithms. Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink, STK, and C/C++, plus SysML/UML MBSE, is essential. Travel and US citizenship with ability to obtain clearance are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 8+ years in GNC analysis, design and verification on spacecraft.
• Proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, STK, and programming languages.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC for new spacecraft and missions.
• Analyze sensors, actuators, dynamics and flight algorithms.
• Support requirements flow-down across subsystems and programs.
• Lead cross-functional activities across spacecraft, payload, and bus.

Skills

Matlab/Simulink

STK

GNC design

C/C++

Python

SysML/UML

Requirements flow-down

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree STEM

Job description

Position work location: Merritt Island, FL. Fully remote candidates located within the U.S. will also be considered.

Position Summary:

Airbus U.S. is looking for an experienced Guidance, Navigation, and Control engineer to develop solutions for satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Control system. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.

Position Responsibilities:

The Senior GNC Engineer's primary responsibility will be contributing to the development of Airbus U.S.'s satellite GNC systems. This engineer will be involved in the full lifecycle of development, from requirements definition through operations. Being at the cutting edge of space technology, we need someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take on new and potentially unfamiliar challenges. There is no shortage of fascinating problems to solve.

Guidance, Navigation, and Control - 50%

• Design and implement GNC designs for new spacecraft designs to accommodate a variety of new mission payloads onto Airbus spacecraft platforms.
• Analyze, design, and/or develop GNC systems to include:
  • Sensors and actuators.
  • Algorithms and flight software.
  • GNC electronics.
• Support the development of subsystem level requirements and requirement flow-down to the various components and parts as necessary - in all phases of the development lifecycle with particular emphasis on Design for Cost/Design for Manufacturability/Design for Test approaches.
• Ensure the maximum reuse of the existing Airbus heritage products and if necessary identify need for modification.
• Ability to drive multiple design activities (programs or mission) – could lead to spacecraft, payload, satellite bus, and/or launch integration activities.
• Demonstrated ability to participate in cross-functional planning, coordination, and task execution situations involving the full spectrum of engineering and integration activities.

Simulation Development - 40%

• Support Airbus spacecraft development product roadmap: includes design adjustments, schedule, and cost targets aligned for future business captures.
• Support the definition of spacecraft customization process for customer mission needs.

Additional Responsibilities - 10%

• Perform all the necessary GNC system engineering activities to build, to maintain and to evolve the Airbus spacecraft products.
• Promote and optimize cost savings by reuse of the heritage platform designs and manufacturing infrastructures in the pursuit of various constellation prospects.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
• Preferred: Master's in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience:

• 8+ years' (w/ Bachelor's degree) / 6+ years' (w/ Masters degree) experience in guidance, navigation and control system analysis, design and verification on spacecraft.

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Proficiency with Matlab/Simulink and STK.
• Proficiency modeling, simulating, and analyzing the performance of spacecraft GNC sensors, actuators, dynamics and algorithms.
• Familiarity and experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (SysML/UML) and processes that include requirements, architectures, interfaces and trade studies.
• Familiarity with software development, verification, and validation.
• Experience with object-oriented programming (C, C++) and scripting languages (TCL, Python).
• Experience designing guidance algorithms for low thrust station keeping and orbit change maneuvers.

Travel Required:

• Periodic travel (less than 20%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies.
• Occasional International travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship is required.

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance.

Physical Requirements:

• Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents.
• Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms.
• Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
• Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
• Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
• Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer.
• Squatting / Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
• Standing: able to stand for long periods of time.
• Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas including uneven surfaces.

Equal Opportunity:

Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.

As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to [e-mail].

Company Website: www.airbusus.com