Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer Seen this week

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer to work on a closely integrated team designing the GNC system, including hardware and software, to meet the position, attitude, knowledge and stability requirements of our satellite bus. You will approach this from a clean sheet design and inform coupled trades across the vehicle architecture. This role reports directly to the Director of GNC, HITL & Mission Ops.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement GNC algorithms for satellite systems, including attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing.
• Conduct analysis of spacecraft dynamics and perform simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracy.
• Design, develop, and test spacecraft control systems, including reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetic torquers, to achieve desired mission objectives.
• Collaborate with spacecraft and payload engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC system compatibility and integration.
• Perform trade studies and make recommendations for optimal GNC configurations, considering factors such as power consumption, mass, and cost.
• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing, performance evaluation, and anomaly resolution.
• Analyze and interpret spacecraft telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related anomalies and performance issues.
• Collaborate with software engineers to develop GNC software modules and interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with overall satellite systems.
• Stay up-to-date with industry advancements and emerging technologies in GNC systems, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide technical expertise and support to cross-functional teams, including project managers, system engineers, and operations personnel.
• Develop GNC algorithm and subsystem tests and validation criteria for functional and performance verification.
• Lead solutions to engineering problems from beginning to end.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 8+ years of professional experience as a GNC Engineer, preferably in the satellite or aerospace industry.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, MATLAB, Python with experience in numerical simulation and analysis.
• Familiarity with GNC hardware and software components, such as sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers), actuators, and control algorithms.
• Experience with simulation tools and software packages commonly used in spacecraft GNC engineering (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex system dynamics and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as in a team-oriented environment.
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees

• Equity in Apex
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
• Comprehensive PTO package starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
• Competitive 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%
• 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
• Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
• Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings
• World-class Playa Vista office with flexibility to integrate work and life