Staff GNC Engineer — Real-Time Space Reentry Guidance

Kindredventures; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 221,000; Full time

Job summary

Inversion is building a lifting-body reentry platform and seeks a Staff GNC Engineer (Guidance) to own the guidance architecture from concept through flight. You will develop algorithms, run real-time updates, and validate performance with 3-DOF/6-DOF simulations at our Playa Vista, CA headquarters. The role demands strong flight dynamics, optimal control, and convex optimization skills, plus MATLAB/Python/C++ proficiency.

U.S. security clearance is required; ITAR applies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• 9+ years of experience developing and testing guidance or GNC algorithms and systems.
• Experience with modern convex optimization methods for guidance (e.g., successive convexification / sequential convex programming, lossless convexification).
• Experience developing and exercising 3-DOF and 6-DOF flight simulations.
• Strong fundamentals in flight mechanics, optimal control, and trajectory optimization.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, or C++ for simulation and analysis.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Capable of working in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment.
• This position is on-site at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own the guidance architecture for a maneuvering reentry vehicle from concept through flight
• Develop guidance algorithms that replan trajectories onboard in response to real-time mission updates
• Build and exercise 3-DOF and 6-DOF flight simulations to develop, stress, and validate guidance performance
• Develop plant models of vehicle and subsystem dynamics to support algorithm design and simulation fidelity
• Work with the broader GNC, simulation, and mission design teams to close vehicle-level performance
• Mentor engineers across the GNC team

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C++

Flight mechanics

Optimal control

Trajectory optimization

GNC algorithms

Communication skills

Startup experience

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's or PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ECOS

CVXGEN

OSQP

Hardware-in-the-Loop

Job description

Inversion is building a lifting-body reentry platform and seeks a Staff GNC Engineer (Guidance) to own the guidance architecture from concept through flight. You will develop algorithms, run real-time updates, and validate performance with 3-DOF/6-DOF simulations at our Playa Vista, CA headquarters. The role demands strong flight dynamics, optimal control, and convex optimization skills, plus MATLAB/Python/C++ proficiency.

U.S. security clearance is required; ITAR applies.