Sr. Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer

Vast; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a pioneering company dedicated to advancing humanity's future in space as a Senior GNC Engineer. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge flight control algorithms for innovative spacecraft and space stations. You will be part of a dynamic team focused on developing high fidelity simulations and control systems, contributing to the world’s first commercial space station. With a commitment to safety and excellence, this position promises a rewarding career in a field that is shaping the future of space exploration. If you're passionate about aerospace and want to make an impact, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

100% medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

Short and long-term disability insurance

Life insurance

Free catered meals

401(k) retirement plan

ClassPass credits

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in GNC engineering with strong programming skills.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and expand high fidelity GNC simulation architecture.
• Develop and validate models for GNC simulations and flight software.

Skills

C/C++ programming

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Python programming

Orbital mechanics

Attitude dynamics and control

Linear control principles

Non-linear simulations

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is looking for a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer who will support research and development of flight control algorithms for our Orbiter spacecraft and/or our Haven space station with a particular emphasis on expanding our high fidelity modeling and simulation architecture. This is a dynamic and fun organization involved in deploying forward-leaning avionics, guidance, navigation, and control systems for developmental concepts for spacecraft, both uncrewed and human-rated.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain and expand high fidelity GNC simulation architecture
• Develop and validate additional models for GNC simulations, including hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Design, implement and validate GNC flight software
• Develop control laws to meet vehicle performance and stability margin requirements
• Support flight activities and analyze flight performance data

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline
• 10+ years of experience
• Excellent C/C++ programming skills

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Master’s degree or PhD in a STEM discipline
• Python programming skills
• Excellent communication, analysis, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in orbital mechanics as well as attitude dynamics and control
• Experience using linear control principles and tools to design feedback control systems
• Experience analyzing non-linear simulations of closed-loop dynamics
• Working knowledge of outer loop control law performance requirements
• Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data
• Experience using Simulink to model dynamic systems

Salary Range: California $155,000 — $190,000 USD

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, free catered meals and snacks and beverages, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, 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.