Senior Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer

CU Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 126,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship available

Job summary

CU Boulder’s LASP seeks a full-time Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) system engineer to support an asteroid exploration mission. You will develop attitude determination and control algorithms, validate flight software, and contribute to spacecraft dynamics simulations.

Onsite presence is required. A Master’s or PhD in aerospace with relevant ADCS experience is expected, along with knowledge of Python, C/C++, and the Xmera simulation package.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent) with 3–6 years' experience or PhD with 1–3 years' experience in ADCS and autonomous navigation.
• Experience with the Xmera Astrodynamics Simulation Package.
• A valid export license is required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Development of attitude determination and control algorithms.
• Validation and verification of GNC flight software algorithms.
• Simulation development of spacecraft dynamics.
• Validation and verification of simulation models.
• Performance analysis of the GNC subsystem against requirements.
• Integration, test and verification of the GNC subsystem.

Skills

ADCS

Autonomous navigation

Python

C/C++

Spacecraft dynamics

Education

Master's in Aerospace Engineering

PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Xmera Astrodynamics Simulation Package

Job description

Requisition Number:

74595

Location:

Boulder, Colorado

City

Boulder

State

Colorado

Employment Type:

Research Faculty

Schedule:

Full-Time

Posting Close Date:

04-Sep-2026

Date Posted:

02-Sep-2026

Job Summary

LASP is seeking a full-time Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) system engineer for an asteroid exploration mission.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth's upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.

LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. LASP employs over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.

LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Responsible for the development of attitude determination and control algorithms
• Responsible for the validation and verification of the GNC flight software algorithms
• Responsible for simulation development of spacecraft dynamics
• Responsible for the validation and verification of the simulation models
• Responsible for performance analysis of the GNC subsystem with respect to requirements
• Responsible for integration, test and verification of the GNC subsystem
• Responsible for the development of the products and processes for flight operations
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

• Export control restrictions, spaceflight control systems.
• Onsite presence required.

What We Can Offer

• $139,750.00 per year.
• Relocation assistance may be eligible for this position.
• Visa sponsorship may be available for this role.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent engineering discipline) with 3-6 years' experience or PhD in Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent engineering discipline) with 1-3 years' experience in ADCS and autonomous navigation.
• Experience with the Xmera Astrodynamics Simulation Package.
• A valid export license is required for this role.

What You Will Need

• Spaceflight control system development and analysis experience.
• Experience with Python programming, C/C++ programming, dynamical modelling and simulation systems (e.g. Xmera or Basilisk).

What We Would Like You to Have

• Focus in ADCS is preferred.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.