Spacecraft 6DOF Attitude Control Engineer (GNC)

Xona Space; Burlingame (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Xona Space in Burlingame, CA seeks a GNC Engineer, Attitude Control Systems to advance the attitude control design for our Pulsar spacecraft platform. You will develop, test, and validate control algorithms across high-fidelity simulations and hardware-in-the-loop environments.

You will contribute to 6DOF attitude dynamics, PID/LQR and model-based development, implement momentum management, and run SIL/HIL campaigns to ensure robust performance under nominal and off-nominal conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience with 6DOF attitude dynamics simulations.
• Hands-on experience with PID, LQR, or optimal control design.
• Experience with actuator allocation, momentum management, or desaturation logic.
• Experience with model-based software development processes.
• Experience with SIL/HIL simulation and test environments.
• Experience developing unit or regression tests.
• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, and MATLAB.
• Proficiency with Git and Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 6DOF attitude simulations for ACS design and verification.
• Design, tune, and validate PID, LQR, and optimal control algorithms.
• Develop actuator allocation logic for reaction wheels, torque rods, thrusters, or other effectors.
• Implement momentum management and desaturation algorithms.
• Support model-based development, integration, and test workflows.
• Run SIL/HIL test campaigns and analyze performance across nominal and off-nominal cases.
• Develop unit, regression, and simulation-based tests.

Skills

6DOF attitude dynamics simulations

PID control

LQR

Optimal control design

Actuator allocation

Momentum management

Desaturation logic

Model-based software development

SIL/HIL simulation

Unit and regression testing

Python

C++

MATLAB

Git

Linux

Education

BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Applied Physics, or related technical field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Git

Linux

Job description

Xona Space in Burlingame, CA seeks a GNC Engineer, Attitude Control Systems to advance the attitude control design for our Pulsar spacecraft platform. You will develop, test, and validate control algorithms across high-fidelity simulations and hardware-in-the-loop environments.

You will contribute to 6DOF attitude dynamics, PID/LQR and model-based development, implement momentum management, and run SIL/HIL campaigns to ensure robust performance under nominal and off-nominal conditions.