Senior GNC Engineer

Benchmark Space Systems Inc; Pleasanton (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision & Dental Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Unlimited vacation

Job summary

Benchmark Space Systems Inc is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to join our team in Pleasanton, CA. You will design and ship GNC algorithms for chemical and electric propulsion, and own the flight code from design through hardware-in-the-loop validation.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in space GNC, proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, and experience with flight software frameworks. This on-site role offers a path to leadership and a thriving spaceflight environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of GNC experience on space vehicles with ownership of algorithms from design to test.
• Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for model-based design of flight algorithms.
• U.S. Person requirement; visa sponsorship not available.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC flight algorithms for spacecraft propulsion systems (chemical and electric).
• Own the GNC flight code: architecture, implementation, review standards, configuration management, and verification evidence.
• Develop 6-DoF simulation capability for burn execution and dispersion analysis across programs.
• Perform stability analysis of control loops and document to flight-review standards.
• Define hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns, pass/fail criteria, fault injection cases, and test procedures.
• Validate flight software against simulation truth models and HIL results; close the loop between analysis, code, and test.
• Support mission design reviews with GNC analysis products and dispersion results.
• Mentor engineers in GNC best practices, code quality, and verification discipline.
• Contribute to evolution of GNC codebase and toolchain.

Skills

GNC experience

MATLAB/Simulink

Flight software frameworks

HIL validation

C or Rust

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or related

Tools

cFS

F Prime

GMAT

STK

FreeFlyer

Job description

Job Purpose and Primary Objectives

Benchmark Space Systems, a leader in small satellite propulsion systems and in‑space mobility services, is looking for an experienced Senior GNC Engineer to join our team.

In this role you will focus on the software layer of our propulsion systems. This is a hands‑on role for highly motivated engineers who don’t just design algorithms but ship them. You will implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft propulsion systems, carry them through hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation, and set the GNC engineering standards for a growing team. This position is ideal for a self‑driven individual with strong attention to detail and the ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.

This is an on‑site role at our Pleasanton, CA office.

About Benchmark

At Benchmark Space Systems, we’re pioneering the future of in‑space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential—all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment.

Backed by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we’re building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem‑solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting‑edge concepts into real‑world solutions. If you’re ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there’s never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.

Measurements of Success / Primary Job Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC flight algorithms for spacecraft propulsion systems (chemical and electric), including closed loop burn execution, thrust, delta‑v estimation, burn targeting, cutoff logic, and trajectory correction maneuvers.
• Own the GNC flight code: architecture, implementation, review standards, configuration management, and verification evidence.
• Develop and maintain 6 degrees of freedom simulation capability for burn execution and dispersion analysis across multiple programs.
• Perform stability analysis of control loops (classical margins, disturbance and slosh interaction, actuator/sensor dynamics) and document it to flight‑review standards.
• Define hardware‑in‑the‑loop test campaigns: what to test, pass/fail criteria, fault injection cases, and test procedures.
• Validate flight software against simulation truth models and HIL results; close the loop between analysis, code, and test.
• Support mission design reviews (PDR/CDR) with GNC analysis products: pointing budgets, execution‑error models, and dispersion results.
• Mentor and guide other engineers in GNC best practices, code quality, and verification discipline.
• Contribute to the evolution of our GNC codebase and toolchain.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of GNC experience on space vehicles, with demonstrated ownership of algorithms from design through implementation and test.
• Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, including model‑based design of flight algorithms.
• U.S. Person Requirement: Due to the nature of the work and access to export‑controlled information, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

What you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:

• Solid foundation in control theory and stability analysis (frequency‑ and time‑domain methods, robustness margins).
• Working knowledge of spacecraft attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, and propulsive maneuver design.
• Experience validating GNC software through hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing, including defining test objectives and criteria.
• Familiarity with flight software frameworks (cFS, F´) and real‑time operating systems.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and present analysis at design reviews.

What makes you stand out

• Experience writing flight or embedded software in C or Rust.
• Experience with propulsion‑specific GNC: finite‑burn effects, thrust/Isp uncertainty, propellant slosh, optimal jet selection.
• Experience with both chemical and electric propulsion control (long‑duration low‑thrust guidance a plus).
• Experience with strapdown navigation, IMU error modeling, and sensor fusion.
• Monte Carlo and linear covariance dispersion analysis experience.
• GMAT, STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent astrodynamics tooling.
• Prior experience as a technical lead or mentor on a small team.
• Experience supporting government programs (NASA, DoD, SBIR/STTR).

Benefits

• Health insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).
• Vision & Dental Insurance.
• Company paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.
• Voluntary Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible schedule.
• Unlimited vacation.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

• Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and kneel.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or completing documentation work.

Benchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail].