Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Space Kinetic is building space applications that require robust guidance, navigation, and control engineering across the full development cycle. This onsite role in El Segundo, CA will lead the Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) subsystem from early concept work through mission operations, including flight software algorithm development, verification, and subsystem scheduling. You will also support ground tools and verification activities used for space applications.

Role Focus

• Lead the GNC subsystem development lifecycle of the Space Kinetic platform, from concept development through mission operations.
• Develop algorithms that can be implemented in flight software (FSW), tested in simulation and hardware environments, and monitored in flight.
• Work with other system elements to define GNC sensor interface requirements.
• Own and maintain the GNC portion of the Integrated Master Schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead architect responsible for GNC design for space applications.
• Own GNC subsystem level requirements, including pointing budget and alignments.
• Design GNC algorithms for FSW development.
• Create and/or contribute to ground tools for constellation management.
• Own GNC component level hardware trades and selection.
• Own GNC Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
• Conduct GNC design analysis and Monte Carlo simulations.
• Support and/or conduct hardware in the loop verification in system testbeds.
• Support internal and external design reviews.
• Partner with senior management on GNC schedule and key milestones.
• Lead architecting of the GNC subsystem level across the platform.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering plus 5+ years of GNC experience.
• Prior spacecraft and satellite development and operations experience.
• Experience collaborating with different engineering departments and teams.
• Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors.
• Experience in modeling and simulation.
• Previous schedule management experience.
• Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data.
• Previous Flight Software development and test experience.
• End-to-end project lifecycle experience.

Technologies

• Flight Software (FSW)
• Monte Carlo simulations

Work Location and Travel

• Onsite role based at the El Segundo, CA office.
• Domestic travel may be required up to approximately 20% of the year.

Compensation and Employment Type

• Job type: Full-time
• Pay range: $115,000 - $165,000 USD per year

Benefits

• Equity-based compensation
• Highly competitive PTO and holiday calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Unique performance-based bonus structure
• Health and wellness stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Employee assistance program
• Health savings account
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

U.S. Export (ITAR) and Security Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a U.S. 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, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Selected applicants will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information, including the ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance.