Spacecraft GN&C Engineer

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory; North Logan (UT); On-site; USD 116,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) seeks mid‑ to senior‑level Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Engineers to join our technical team supporting DoD and IC programs in the Strategic & Military Space Division.

The role focuses on developing satellite mission concepts, GN&C algorithms, models, simulation, and flight software, with opportunities to contribute to on‑orbit operations and design verification.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering or related STEM field.
• 8+ years of related experience.
• Experience and training in Astrodynamics / Orbital Mechanics.
• Experience or training in RPO, Formation Flying, ADC, Spacecraft Navigation / Orbit Determination, or Spacecraft Guidance / Optimization.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar technical analysis tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work individually or on a small team.
• U.S. citizen; DoD clearance eligibility.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to contractor and customer facilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze satellite mission concepts.
• Develop and test GN&C algorithms, models, and simulation software.
• Develop and test GN&C flight software.
• Support small satellite development, test, and on-orbit operations.
• Document designs, analysis, and test results.
• Present design, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers.
• Represent SDL at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

Education

Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering

8+ years of related experience

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Confluence

JIRA

Bitbucket

Job description

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking talented mid‑to‑senior‑level Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Engineers to be part of our growing technical team supporting advanced research and programs for the U.S. Government in our Strategic & Military Space Division. The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation's defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and analyze satellite mission concepts
• Develop and test GN&C algorithms, models, and simulation software
• Develop and test GN&C flight software
• Support small satellite development, test, and on‑orbit operations
• Document designs, analysis, and test results
• Present design, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
• Represent SDL at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or a related STEM field
• 8+ years of related experience
• Experience and training in Astrodynamics / Orbital Mechanics
• Experience or training in one or more of the following areas:
  • Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
  • Formation Flying
  • Attitude Dynamics and Controls (ADC)
  • Spacecraft Navigation / Orbit Determination
  • Spacecraft Guidance / Optimization
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar technical analysis tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work individually or on a small team
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must have or be able to obtain a DoW security clearance
• Must be able to travel occasionally to contractor and customer facilities

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in aerospace engineering or a related STEM field
• Experience in GN&C Flight Software Development using compiled languages or auto‑code techniques
• Experience working on RPO missions
• Experience working on Cis‑Lunar and Deep Space missions
• Experience with Hardware‑in‑the‑loop simulation and test
• Experience with GN&C and ADC hardware (e.g., star trackers, reaction wheels)
• Experience with satellite ground or flight systems
• Experience with Atlassian management tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
• Understanding of communications protocols and link budgets/margin
• Ability to lead small teams
• Ability to provide mentoring, leadership, and experience sharing with junior engineers
• Active DoW Top Secret/SCI clearance or current SSBI (<4 years old)

Salary Range

• $116,000 - $175,000

Salary commensurate with education and relevant experience. This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all U.S. locations. Specific salary details for a candidate's preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL?

* SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi‑domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense.

At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions, assistance, or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact [e-mail].