Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Apex - Spacecraft Manufacturing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity participation

Comprehensive healthcare benefits

Competitive 401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch and unlimited snacks

Community events and team activities

Modern workspace

Impactful role in aerospace

Job summary

A leading company in spacecraft manufacturing is seeking a skilled GNC Engineer to design and implement guidance, navigation, and control systems for their satellite buses. The successful candidate will work on innovative solutions within a close-knit team, influencing the future of aerospace. Key responsibilities include algorithm development, systems design, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Professional experience as a GNC Engineer with 3-6 years in the aerospace industry.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft systems and performance evaluation.
• Familiarity with industry standards for satellite GNC systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement GNC algorithms for satellite systems.
• Design spacecraft control systems for various mission objectives.
• Conduct analysis of spacecraft dynamics and perform system simulations.

Skills

Spacecraft dynamics

Orbital mechanics

Control theory

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

C/C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

STK

Job description

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

We are seeking a seasoned spacecraft GNC engineer to work on a closely integrated team who will drive the design of the GNC system, including hardware and software, to meet the position, attitude, knowledge and stability requirements of our bus. You will have an opportunity to approach this from a clean sheet design and inform coupled trades across the vehicle architecture. You will be innovative in your approach to push the limits of design and performance, while disrupting and making an impact on the industry. This role reports directly into the Director of Spacecraft.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement GNC algorithms for satellite systems, including attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing.
• Conduct analysis of spacecraft dynamics and perform simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracy.
• Design, develop, and test spacecraft control systems, including reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetic torquers, to achieve desired mission objectives.
• Collaborate with spacecraft and payload engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC system compatibility and integration.
• Perform trade studies and make recommendations for optimal GNC configurations, considering factors such as power consumption, mass, and cost.
• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing, performance evaluation, and anomaly resolution.
• Analyze and interpret spacecraft telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related anomalies and performance issues.
• Collaborate with software engineers to develop GNC software modules and interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with overall satellite systems.
• Stay up-to-date with industry advancements and emerging technologies in GNC systems, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise and support to cross-functional teams, including project managers, system engineers, and operations personnel.
• Develop GNC algorithm and subsystem tests and validation criteria for functional and performance verification.

Requirements:

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-6 years of professional experience as a GNC Engineer, preferably in the satellite or aerospace industry.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, MATLAB, Python with experience in numerical simulation and analysis.
• Familiarity with GNC hardware and software components, such as sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers), actuators, and control algorithms.
• Experience with simulation tools and software packages commonly used in spacecraft GNC engineering (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK).
• Knowledge of industry standards and protocols for satellite GNC systems, such as CCSDS, ECSS, and GPS/GNSS.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex system dynamics and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a team-oriented environment.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $155,000 a year

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We offer the following benefits:

• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.

• Best-in-class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primaryanddependents’premium is 99%+ covered.

• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package,to reset and recharge.

• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.

• Paid parentalleave.

• Daily lunchandunlimited snacks!

• Community events likemonthlyoffice BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more!

• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.

• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.

• An opportunity to make a real impactin the aerospace industry.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.