Space GNC Engineer

Space Systems Integration; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Medium is looking for a Space Attitude Control System (ACS) / Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer in Chantilly, VA. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the design, development, testing, and operations of ACS subsystems and GNC capabilities.

This role involves technical assessments, evaluating compliance of contractor designs, reviewing algorithms, and assisting government customers with all phases of mission lifecycle. Candidates must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and significant experience in the satellite mission lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with CI polygraph within the last ten years.
• Direct experience with space-based ACS subsystems and GNC.
• Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent technical assessments of spacecraft ACS and GNC subsystem architectures.
• Evaluate contractor designs for compliance with mission requirements.
• Review guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for soundness.

Skills

Technical assessments

Spacecraft systems

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

Job description

Space Systems Integration (SSI) is a fast-growing engineering company that provides aerospace solutions to a variety of government and commercial customers. Our employees are forward-thinking, self-directed individuals who are committed to solving our customers’ technical challenges.

SSI is seeking a Space Attitude Control System (ACS) / Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to our customer in Chantilly, VA.

This position requires experience with the full lifecycle of design, development, testing and operations of ACS subsystems and GNC capabilities for spacecraft. This individual will assist the government customer with requirements development, design oversight, trade studies, proposal evaluation, engineering change proposal development/evaluation, hardware procurement oversight, algorithm oversight, integration and test support, and flight operations of highly complex systems.

Specific Duties May Include, but Not Limited to the Following:

• Perform independent technical assessments of spacecraft ACS and GNC subsystem architectures throughout system design, integration, and test.
• Evaluate contractor designs to ensure compliance with mission requirements, interface specifications, and system performance objectives.
• Assess spacecraft attitude determination and control system designs, including sensor suites, actuator selection, redundancy approaches, and fault management strategies.
• Review guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for technical soundness, implementation maturity, and operational suitability.
• Assess risks, technical maturity, and performance margins across development and operational systems.
• Work closely with operators, system engineers, and contractors to diagnose and resolve test and operational issues.
• Ensure lessons learned from operations are fed back into system improvements.
• Assist in developing customer positions, technical assessments, and decision briefings for leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Must possess an active Top Secret/SCI clearance and CI polygraph (polygraph within the last ten (10) years).
• Bachelor's degree in engineering and twelve (12) or more years of experience; Masters degree and ten (10) or more years of experience.
• Direct experience with space-based ACS subsystems and GNC.
• Experience with all phases of the satellite mission lifecycle, from concept development and design through integration, testing, and post-launch operations.
• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a Government/Contractor team environment.
• Ability to communicate complex technical topics to Senior decision-makers with varying technical backgrounds through clear briefings and written reports.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.

Space Systems Integration provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.