Senior GNC Engineer

Job title: GNC Engineer

Location: California

A pioneering aerospace company at the forefront of autonomous orbital operations is looking for a Senior GNC Engineer to help shape the future of space security and spacecraft autonomy.

This is an opportunity to work on genuinely cutting-edge technology developing advanced Guidance, Navigation & Control systems for highly autonomous spacecraft operating in complex orbital environments.

The Role

As a Senior GNC Engineer, you’ll take ownership of core spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control capabilities that sit at the heart of next-generation autonomous missions.

You’ll be involved across the full development lifecycle — from algorithm development and simulation through to flight software integration, testing, and operational deployment.

What You’ll Be Doing

Develop advanced GNC architectures for autonomous spacecraft missions
Design and implement state estimation and navigation algorithms
Build guidance and control systems for maneuver planning and orbital operations
Develop autonomous trajectory prediction and collision avoidance capabilities
Integrate GNC systems into real-time flight software and simulation environments
Support mission analysis, system validation, and integrated testing campaigns
Work closely with software, autonomy, perception, and mission systems teams to deliver operational capability

What They’re Looking For

Strong experience within spacecraft GNC, flight dynamics, or autonomous aerospace systems
Excellent programming capability in C++ and Python
Strong understanding of Orbital Mechanics, Spacecraft Dynamics, Kalman Filtering, State Estimation, Sensor Fusion, and Control Systems
Experience developing software for real-time, safety-critical, or autonomous systems
Background within aerospace, defence, robotics, or advanced autonomy environments

Why Join?

Work on genuinely mission-critical autonomous space technology
Join an elite engineering team solving extremely complex technical challenges
High ownership and technical freedom
Fast-moving environment with real impact
Competitive compensation + equity
Flexible PTO and strong benefits package
Opportunity to shape the future of autonomous in-space operations

Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be eligible to work on U.S. defence and space-related programs