Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Muon Space, Inc.; Mountain View (CA); Remote; USD 166,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

Muon Space seeks a Spacecraft ADCS/GNC engineer to contribute across the control system analysis and design process with a systems mindset, collaborating with multiple disciplines to achieve an elegant spacecraft solution.

The role can be performed remotely from an approved location and requires strong C++ embedded development, GNC expertise, and a collaborative approach in a fast-paced environment with weekly opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent with 2–3 years of professional experience, or substantial hands-on GNC experience.
• Software skills in C++ and knowledge of control and optimization theory.
• Experience with ADCS/GNC subsystems for spacecraft and common numerical environments (Python, Julia, MATLAB).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC architectures and algorithms in embedded C++.
• Define requirements for ADCS algorithms, hardware, and related systems for existing missions and roadmap development.
• Analyze and simulate mission-specific GNC performance.
• Collaborate on ground-processing algorithms for sensor calibration.
• Collaborate on an offline geolocation processing pipeline.
• Support on-orbit anomaly resolution and on-call duties.
• Assist with software- and hardware-in-the-loop test planning, execution, and validation.

Skills

C++

Control theory

Optimization

Python

Julia

MATLAB

GNC/ADCS design

Communication skills

Fast-paced environment

Education

PhD or Master’s in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Python

Julia

MATLAB

Job description

About the role

Muon seeks a talented Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) AKA Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer to join our team. The ideal candidate can go both deep and broad across the control system analysis and design process. They would use a “systems mindset” to be a multiplier when collaborating with other disciplines to arrive at an elegant, best-fit spacecraft design.

This position can be performed remotely from an approved location.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement guidance, navigation & control architectures and algorithms in an embedded C++ environment
• Define requirements for ADCS algorithms, hardware, and related systems - both for existing missions as well as roadmap development that unlock new customer opportunities
• Perform analysis and simulation of mission-specific GNC performance
• Collaborate on the development of ground-processing algorithms for sensor calibration
• Collaborate on the development of an offline geolocation processing pipeline
• Support anomaly resolution of on-orbit systems, including oncall duties
• Support software- and hardware-in-the-loop test planning, execution, and validation

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent plus at least 2-3 years of professional experience, OR several years of experience hands-on with GNC analysis and design
• Software skills in C++
• Knowledge of control and optimization theory
• Expertise in common numerical programming environments (Python, Julia, MATLAB)
• Experience designing, analyzing, and implementing ADCS/GNC subsystems for spacecraft
• Excellent communication, presentation, and coordination skills
• Excited to work in a fast-paced environment with new opportunities each week

Nice-to-have Skills

• Experience with control stability analysis of flexible bodies
• Experience with ADCS of precision pointing platforms
• Experience with spacecraft flight operations
• US Government security clearance

Salary

The salary range for this role is $166,000 - $219,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.

About Muon Space

Founded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.

Taking Care of Our Team

At Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, full-time employees receive equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.

Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too. Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

Muon is currently registered and able to hire in the following states:
AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IA, ID, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.