Sr. Navigation Engineer (8-12 yrs)

Advanced Space; Westminster (CO); Hybrid; USD 132,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Advanced Space is seeking a Sr. Navigation Engineer to lead spacecraft navigation from concept through flight operations.

You will own navigation strategy across mission phases, design and validate Kalman filters, and mentor engineers in a fast-moving environment. In this role you’ll collaborate with GNC, mission design, and ground systems, deliver robust estimation architectures, and contribute to proposal efforts while guiding a growing navigation team in Westminster, CO.

Qualifications

• 8–12 years of spacecraft navigation/flight dynamics experience.
• Led complex navigation efforts from concept through flight.
• Experience designing and validating Kalman filters across mission environments.
• Proficient with MONTE, FreeFlyer, ODTK, GMAT or STK.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead spacecraft navigation from concept through operations.
• Develop and validate Kalman filter configurations for challenging missions.
• Own mission-critical flight operations and respond to anomalies during critical events.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to proposals and research initiatives.

Skills

8-12 years experience

Kalman filters

Leadership

Astrodynamics

Education

Master’s or PhD in astrodynamics/state estimation/ Kalman filtering

Tools

MONTE

FreeFlyer

ODTK

GMAT

STK

Job description

Advanced Space | Full-time | Hybrid | Out of State Remote

We’re going to the Moon. Think you’ve got what it takes?

About the Role

At Advanced Space, we're enabling humanity's return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. We're looking for a Sr. Navigation Engineer to lead the development of advanced spacecraft navigation solutions for some of the most ambitious missions in the space industry.

This is a hands‑on technical leadership role. You'll own navigation strategies across the full mission lifecycle—from early mission formulation through flight operations—while mentoring engineers, solving complex astrodynamics challenges, and helping shape the future of space exploration.

We're looking for someone who thrives in technically demanding environments, enjoys tackling problems that haven't been solved before, and is excited to work alongside a team that's delivering real missions—not just concepts.

This position is open to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) only. Visa sponsorship is not available.

An active TS/SCI clearance is preferred but not required.

About Advanced Space

Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative software, mission services, and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASA's CAPSTONE™ mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, we're helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial, civil, and national security customers.

Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly, collaborate across disciplines, and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If you're passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space, you'll fit right in.

What You’ll Actually Do

Lead spacecraft navigation from concept through operations.

Own navigation strategy across every phase of the mission, including formulation, tracking architecture, orbit determination, estimation approaches, maneuver support, and on‑orbit operations. You'll be the technical leader ensuring our navigation solutions perform when it matters most.

Build next‑generation navigation solutions.

Develop and validate advanced Kalman filter configurations for challenging mission environments including multi‑body dynamics, low‑thrust trajectories, weak observability, and deep‑space operations. You'll architect solutions that integrate mission design, GNC, communications, and ground systems into a cohesive navigation approach.

Own mission‑critical flight operations.

Serve as the primary navigation lead during mission preparation and flight operations. Support console activities, perform real‑time orbit determination, respond to anomalies, and provide technical leadership during critical mission events.

Drive technical excellence.

Lead navigation analyses for major design reviews, communicate technical trades and mission risks, improve internal tools and operational processes, and help establish best practices that strengthen our navigation capabilities across the company.

Grow the team and shape the future.

Mentor junior engineers, review technical work, and contribute to proposal efforts and internal research initiatives that define the next generation of navigation technologies and missions.

Who Thrives Here

• You have 8-12 years of experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, flight dynamics, or a closely related discipline.
• You've led complex navigation efforts and are comfortable owning technical decisions from concept through flight.
• You have deep experience designing, tuning, and validating advanced Kalman filters across a variety of mission environments.
• You're experienced with industry-standard astrodynamics and navigation tools such as MONTE, FreeFlyer, ODTK, GMAT, or STK .
• You enjoy solving difficult technical problems and aren't intimidated by missions that push beyond traditional approaches.
• You communicate complex technical concepts clearly, whether presenting to customers, leading design reviews, or mentoring teammates.
• You enjoy collaborating across engineering disciplines and understand how navigation connects with mission design, GNC, communications, and flight operations.
• You take ownership. When you see a challenge, you work with the team to solve it.

Bonus Points if You Have Experience With

• Multiple measurement types (radiometric, GPS, optical, angles-only)
• MONTE astrodynamics toolkit
• Multi-spacecraft missions
• Navigation support for maneuver planning and execution
• Navigation verification, CONOPS, or ICD development
• Proposal leadership or IRAD development
• An active or previous TS/SCI clearance
• A Master's or Ph.D. focused on astrodynamics, state estimation, or Kalman filtering

Success is Measured By

• Delivering accurate, reliable navigation solutions across every mission phase.
• Successfully leading navigation efforts for flight operations and mission execution.
• Building robust estimation architectures for challenging mission environments.
• Improving navigation tools, processes, and operational efficiency.
• Mentoring engineers and strengthening the technical capabilities of the navigation team.
• Contributing to new mission concepts, proposals, and technology development that expand Advanced Space's capabilities.

Why Join Advanced Space

• Work on real missions that are shaping the future of lunar and deep‑space exploration.
• Help lead navigation efforts for cutting‑edge spacecraft and mission concepts.
• Collaborate with some of the industry's top experts in astrodynamics, autonomy, and mission design.
• Be part of a growing company where your technical contributions have a direct impact on mission success.
• Join a team that's passionate about delivering innovation to orbit—and beyond.
• Base Salary: $132,000-$174,900 (based on experience, qualifications, and location)
• Signing bonus
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Company-sponsored medical benefits and 401(k)
• Flexible time off
• Relocation assistance
• Hybrid work schedule (minimum three days per week onsite) for employees within commuting distance of Westminster, Colorado
• Remote work may be available for exceptional candidates who reside outside the area and are unable to relocate

Advanced Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.