Senior GNC Engineer I

EVONA; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing satellite company is looking for a Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer. This hands-on role involves designing algorithms for spacecraft GNC and working closely with cross-functional teams from concept through launch. Candidates should have an MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, along with over 6 years of relevant experience. The position requires strong programming skills and familiarity with satellite operations. Join a dynamic team and help shape next-gen satellite systems!

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC or ADCS systems.
• Experience with satellite attitude estimation, navigation, and control.
• Experience designing orbit determination and maneuver planning algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Designing and implementing spacecraft GNC algorithms.
• Developing orbit determination and maneuver planning solutions.
• Supporting integration, testing, and hardware validation of spacecraft subsystems.

Skills

Spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control

Strong programming ability in Python

Experience with nonlinear estimation methods

Troubleshooting spacecraft behavior

Education

MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Basilisk

GMAT

STK

FreeFlyer

Job description

A fast-growing satellite company is looking for a Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to join a small spacecraft team building the next generation of LEO communications satellites.

This is a highly hands‑on role where you will design, implement, and deploy real spacecraft GNC algorithms, working closely with flight software, hardware, and mission operations teams as satellites move from concept through launch and on‑orbit operations.

The team is developing and launching a new satellite platform, with multiple spacecraft launches planned over the next four years, starting with the first launch later this year.

If you enjoy solving difficult spacecraft problems, writing real flight algorithms, and working in a small, fast‑moving engineering team, this role offers the opportunity to directly shape the next generation of satellite systems.

What You'll Work On

• Designing and implementing spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control algorithms
• Developing orbit determination and maneuver planning solutions for LEO satellites
• Writing flight‑ready software for GNC systems in Python, C, or C++
• Performing trade studies, modeling, simulation, and Monte Carlo analysis
• Supporting integration, testing, and hardware validation of spacecraft subsystems
• Working closely with flight software, avionics, and hardware teams
• Troubleshooting real spacecraft behavior during integration, test, and on‑orbit operations
• Improving fault detection, mitigation, and robustness of spacecraft control systems

Core Experience

What They're Looking For

• MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field
• 6+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC or ADCS systems
• Experience with satellite attitude estimation, navigation, and control
• Experience designing orbit determination and maneuver planning algorithms
• Strong programming ability in Python, C, or C++
• Experience working on real spacecraft missions from concept through operations
• Familiarity with LEO satellite missions

Technical Strengths

• Nonlinear estimation methods (e.g., Kalman Filters / EKF / UKF)
• Spacecraft trajectory and orbital analysis
• Simulation and modeling tools such as Basilisk, GMAT, STK, or FreeFlyer
• Understanding of spacecraft pointing modes, maneuver planning, and mission operations
• Experience supporting integration, test, and on‑orbit anomaly resolution

Nice to Have

• Focus on navigation / orbit determination
• CubeSat or SmallSat mission experience
• Experience with low‑thrust maneuver planning
• Communications satellite experience
• Hands‑on work with spacecraft hardware or test environments

What Makes This Role Different

• Work on a small, tightly integrated spacecraft team
• Engineers own both algorithms and software implementation
• Direct interaction with hardware, flight software, and mission operations
• Opportunity to improve real spacecraft systems that are flying soon
• Startup‑style environment where engineers can move quickly and make technical decisions