Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer Seen this week
About the Role
The Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer leads GNC development for Apex's growing fleet of spacecraft platforms. You will work across the full engineering lifecycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration and test, and vehicle integration and test. You will plan and maintain development schedules to support leading edge programs. You will collaborate with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software teams, and directly engage customers to ensure mission success.
Responsibilities
- Lead architect for GNC design, modeling, and analysis across LEO, MEO, GEO, and rendezvous proximity operations (RPOD) missions
- Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products
- Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
- Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems
- Develop and execute test processes
- Define fault detection and response strategies
- Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
- Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
- Support internal and external design reviews
- Plan team schedule and milestones with department leads and program managers; report technical status
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (advanced degrees preferred)
- 15+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
- 5+ years of industry experience developing or operating spacecraft/satellites
- Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports
- Prior experience leading a team across a full project lifecycle
- Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
- Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining team priorities
- Experience with Jira planning and workflow
- Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
- Experience developing blended attitude solutions from multiple sensor data sources
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
- Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
- Experience with GNC-related business development or conceptual design work
What We Offer Full-Time Employees
- Equity in Apex
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and dependents, plus $100k life insurance
- Paid time off starting at 15 days vacation annually, growing to 20+ days, plus 10 paid holidays
- 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3%, 50% match on next 2%
- 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350 per day for work-related travel
- Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
- Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and family gatherings
- Premium desk setup and tools
- Office in Playa Vista with flexibility for in-person collaboration