Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer

Quantum Space; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Quantum Space seeks an experienced Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to own GNC development across the spacecraft lifecycle, from mission analysis to on-orbit support. You will implement control laws, perform state estimation, and integrate GNC algorithms into flight software, working with avionics, systems, and mission ops.

The role requires a strong foundation in dynamics and control, hands-on experience with C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink, and the ability to operate in a

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 3–8+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability GNC development.
• Strong foundation in rigid-body dynamics, orbital mechanics, and classical/modern control theory.
• Experience implementing estimation and control algorithms in C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS).
• Familiarity with flight software integration, SIL/HIL testing, and simulation pipelines.
• Ability to analyze telemetry, validate performance, and debug GNC-related anomalies.
• Systems-level awareness across avionics, software, and dynamics.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity spacecraft dynamics and GNC simulation environments for analysis and design.
• Implement and tune control laws for attitude control, momentum management, orbit maneuvers, RPO, and station-keeping.
• Perform state estimation design and analysis (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion, GPS/IMU, star & sun sensors).
• Support integration of GNC algorithms into flight software, including unit tests, SIL/HIL, and full-vehicle simulation.
• Collaborate with avionics and sensor teams to define ICDs, data flows, timing, and budgets.
• Analyze telemetry to evaluate GNC performance and update algorithms.
• Develop tools to improve autonomous maneuver planning and estimation accuracy.
• Support fault management logic and safe-mode development with FSW and systems engineering.
• Specify hardware components with systems team and coordinate with vendors.
• Develop and execute GNC hardware acceptance and test plans.
• Participate in MCR/PDR/CDR and early-orbit commissioning support.
• Contribute to rapid iteration cycles refining autonomy across spacecraft builds.

Skills

GNC development

Dynamics & control

Sensor fusion

Flight software

Telemetry analysis

Systems engineering

Education

B.S./M.S. in Aerospace Eng

Tools

C++

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Who We're Looking For

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

We are seeking aSpacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to develop the algorithms, analyses, and flight capabilities that enable our spacecraft to navigate, maneuver, and operate autonomously across a diverse range of space missions . In this role, you will own GNC subsystem development throughout the spacecraft lifecycle, including mission analysis, modeling and simulation, guidance, navigation, and control algorithm development, flight software integration, hardware integration and test, verification and validation, and on-orbit mission support . The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building next-generation space systems that support mission success.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Develop high-fidelity spacecraft dynamics and GNC simulation environments to support analysis, verification, and mission design.
• Implement and tune control laws for attitude control, momentum management, orbit maneuvering, RPO, and station-keeping.
• Perform state estimation design and analysis (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion, GPS/IMU, star tracker & sun sensor pipelines).
• Support integration of GNC algorithms into flight software, including validation through unit test, SIL/HIL, and full-vehicle simulation.
• Collaborate with avionics and sensor teams to define GNC-related ICDs, data flows, timing, and performance budgets.
• Analyze both on-orbit and testbed telemetry to evaluate GNC performance and inform updates to algorithms and configuration.
• Develop tools that improve autonomous maneuver planning, control margin analysis, and attitude/orbit estimation accuracy.
• Support safe-mode and fault management logic development in partnership with FSW and systems engineering.
• Work with the systems team to specify hardware components based on system requirements, and coordinate with vendors to acquire hardware that meet program cost and schedule targets.
• Develop and execute GNC hardware acceptance and performance test plans and procedures.
• Participate in MCR/PDR/CDR, test readiness reviews, and support operations during early-orbit commissioning when needed.
• Contribute to rapid iteration cycles that refine autonomy and maneuverability across successive spacecraft builds.

What It Takes

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
• 3–8+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability GNC development.
• Strong foundation in rigid-body dynamics, orbital mechanics, and classical/modern control theory.
• Experience implementing estimation and control algorithms in C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS, ranging sensors).
• Familiarity with flight software integration, SIL/HIL testing, and simulation pipelines.
• Ability to analyze telemetry, validate performance, and debug GNC-related anomalies.
• Systems-level awareness across avionics, software, and dynamics.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience with RPO, proximity operations, autonomous maneuver planning, or high-ΔV vehicle dynamics.
• Familiarity with MAX FSW and MAX GDS or other modern COTS flight software environments.
• Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and large-scale mission simulation.
• Experience with EKF variants, covariance analysis, or nonlinear control approaches.
• Background with thruster-based ACS, high-agility control architectures, or propulsion-coupled dynamics.
• Experience analyzing 6DOF models incorporating propellant slosh and flexible-body dynamics.
• Hands-on experience with testbeds, HITL environments, or closed-loop simulation frameworks.
• Experience with fault management logic,safing modes, and on-orbit anomaly investigation.
• Prior experience working in fast-paced startups or NewSpace organizations. '

What You'll Get

• Ownership – Build and validate the GNC capability that defines how our spacecraft maneuver, point, and operate autonomously.
• Innovation – Shape next-generation GNC architectures, algorithms, and tools for high-agility missions.
• Impact – Directly influence spacecraft controllability, autonomy, and mission success across cislunar and GEO operations.
• Growth – Collaborate across avionics, FSW, systems, and mission ops, with opportunities to expand into dynamics modeling, autonomy, or flight operations.
• Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.