About the Role:

We are looking for a skilled and experienced Satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to join the team in Irvine, CA. As a Principal GNC Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for our small satellite missions. Collaborating closely with the mission design and flight software team, you will develop mission profiles and algorithms, manage projects, mentor junior engineers, and shape the technical strategy of our satellite programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the creation and implementation of advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for small satellite missions.
• Conduct mission analysis, trajectory optimization, and orbit determination to achieve mission goals.
• Integrate guidance and navigation sensors, including star trackers, sun sensors, and GPS receivers, into the satellite platform.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to ensure GNC systems seamlessly integrate with other subsystems.
• Optimize system performance, focusing on stability, robustness, and response time, while providing expert guidance.
• Perform simulations and testing to validate and verify GNC algorithms and control systems.
• Improve GNC processes, methodologies, and best practices, sharing knowledge with the engineering team.
• Stay informed about the latest advancements and research in GNC engineering for small satellite systems and provide thought leadership.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, supporting their development in GNC engineering.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making regarding the technical direction and future advancements in GNC for satellite missions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) with 5+ years of experience, or a BS with 10 years of experience in engineering disciplines focusing on control systems, orbital mechanics, or similar fields.
• Extensive expertise in GNC principles and their application to satellite systems.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing advanced GNC algorithms and control systems for space missions.
• Proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Python for algorithm development and simulation.
• Deep knowledge of orbital mechanics, trajectory optimization, and mission analysis.
• Familiarity with satellite guidance and navigation sensors, such as star trackers, sun sensors, and GPS.
• Advanced experience with modeling and simulation tools for GNC analysis and validation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to tackle complex GNC engineering challenges.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with the capability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable, thriving in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Previous senior-level or leadership role in GNC engineering is highly desirable.
• Ability to design, build, and test software from scratch.
• Availability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• Compliance with U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR).

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Software testing and verification experience (unit testing and performance verification).
• Experience in designing and/or prototyping space systems software.
• Hardware-in-the-loop and Software-in-the-loop testing experience.
• End-to-end mission experience.
• Understanding of electro-optical payloads.
• Mission operations experience.