GNC Engineer, ADCS Seen this week
About Lynk
Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to standard phone technology. The company holds the world's only commercial FCC license to operate a commercial sat2phone system, allowing mobile subscribers to send and receive text messages via standard unmodified mobile devices. Lynk's service operates in more than 30 countries and is deployed under 40+ mobile network operator contracts.
The Role
As a GNC Engineer at Lynk, you will be responsible for the analysis, design, implementation, optimization and enhancement of satellite attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) for the satellites in our constellation. You will work across electrical, mechanical, and software engineering domains.
Core Responsibilities
- Evolve Lynk's satellite ADCS architecture including components and systems that provide relative and absolute attitude measurements
- Refine the Concept of Operations for the satellite ADCS and related ground systems
- Interface with Systems Engineering to inform constellation and network architecture based on ADCS performance
- Support development of the 6 DOF simulation for ADCS evaluation
- Perform analyses to determine satellite ADCS component performance requirements including sizing, accuracy, sensor noise, reliability, redundancy, and fault management
- Specify, evaluate, and select satellite attitude determination sensors including rate sensors, magnetometers, sun sensors, horizon sensors, thermal sensors, and star trackers
- Specify, evaluate, and select attitude effectors including magnetorquers, reaction wheels, gravity gradient booms, and propulsive components
- Determine attitude sensor and effector types, number, and placement on spacecraft
- Design and implement algorithms and software for various pointing modes and attitude control scenarios
- Perform integration and test of ADCS components and software on satellites and in the lab
- Design and plan payload testing configurations for ADCS performance evaluation in-lab and on-orbit
- Support satellite integration, testing, and delivery to launch providers
- Develop and maintain technical documentation for ADCS architecture definition and development
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in physics, engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of experience with satellite attitude determination and/or control systems
- Recent participation in projects developing space hardware and software, preferably ADCS
- In depth knowledge and hands-on experience with ADCS components such as IMUs, magnetometers, star trackers, reaction wheels, and magnetic torque rods
- Programming proficiency in one or more languages such as Rust, C, Python, or MATLAB
- Proficiency with Linux based systems and at least one systems language (C, C++, Rust, etc.)
- Solid understanding of version control practices and tools, including Git
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Nice to Have
- Master's degree or higher in physics, engineering, or related field
- In depth knowledge of satellite propulsion systems, propulsion system CONOPS, orbit dynamics, and low-thrust trajectory planning
- Hands-on experience with programming microcontrollers
ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Location
Chantilly, VA