Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer, Space Systems

Katalyst Space; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation bonus

Employee Stock Option Plan

Comprehensive medical coverage

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Job summary

Katalyst Space in Colorado is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to design and validate guidance, navigation, and control systems for advanced space vehicles. You will build simulation environments, develop prototype algorithms, and support system-level integration in a fast-paced startup.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, 3+ years in GNC, proficiency in Python, and strong problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field.
• 3+ years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control.
• Software development experience in Python for modeling and simulation.
• Experience with GNC systems, sensors, or control algorithms.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Supporting GNC algorithm trade studies.
• Building simulation environments and prototype algorithms.
• Collaborating on system-level integration.
• Developing and validating 6-DoF simulation tools.
• Assisting with datasets and algorithm evaluation.
• Supporting implementation, testing, and debugging.

Skills

GNC systems

Guidance & Control

Python programming

Trajectory planning

State estimation

Modeling & simulation

Control algorithms

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

3+ years in GNC experience

Tools

Git

Linux

Basilisk

C/C++

Job description

Katalyst Description

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual‑use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to create the future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands‑on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

What You’ll Do

• Supporting GNC algorithm trade studies
• Building simulation environments and prototype algorithms
• Collaborating on system‑level integration
• Developing and validating 6‑DoF simulation tools
• Assisting with datasets and algorithm evaluation
• Supporting implementation, testing, and debugging

Your Ideal Background

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field
• 3+ years of experience working in guidance, navigation, and controlin one or more areas:
• Modeling and simulation
• Algorithm development for state estimation
• Trajectory or path planning
• Classical or modern control of dynamical systems
• Software development experience in Python for modeling and simulation applications
• Experience with GNC systems, sensors, or control algorithms
• Ability to work in fast‑paced startup environment
• Strong problem‑solving skills

Desired

• Experience with space system development, especially around guidance, navigation and control, or rendezvous proximity operations.
• Orbital mechanics / Astrodynamics knowledge
• Git, Linux, Basilisk familiarity C/C++ experience
• Strong communication skills
• Real‑time embedded systems experience
• Hardware-in-the-loop experience
• Spacecraft hardware knowledge (RWAs, thrusters, etc)
• Mission operations experience

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

Your base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $140,000 - $240,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR‑controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non‑US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.