Senior GNC Engineer Verified today
About Astro Digital
Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with 100+ employees and infrastructure around the globe.
The Role
We're looking for an experienced Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to take ownership of the analysis that makes our spacecraft fly. You'll drive high-fidelity simulation, performance evaluation, and system-level analysis of GNC systems, and roll up your sleeves to shape flight software in C++.
From large deployable structures and laser communications to high-precision astrophysics observations, in-space robotics, constellations, and rendezvous & proximity operations, you'll work across the full spectrum of cutting-edge spacecraft missions. Your analysis will directly steer Systems Engineering on mission design and CONOPS, along with the actuator and sensor performance requirements that define what's possible.
This is a remote-friendly role, open to US-based candidates.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Build high-fidelity models and simulations of spacecraft GNC systems and prove them out across every mission phase
- Conduct Monte Carlo analyses, covariance studies, and performance assessments to validate GNC algorithms before they fly
- Create and evolve the simulation and analysis tools used to design missions and flight software components
- Analyze sensor and actuator performance, including propulsion subsystems, star trackers, IMUs, reaction wheels, and GNSS
- Write and refine C++ flight software GNC components and flight software configuration
- Support verification and validation of flight software through unit testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations
- Collaborate with systems engineering, mission design, and flight software teams to ensure GNC performance meets mission requirements
- Document analysis results, software interfaces, and validation procedures
Minimum Qualifications
- U.S. person status required (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with ITAR/EAR export-control regulations
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in spacecraft GNC analysis and simulation
- Strong understanding of spacecraft dynamics, control systems, and estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering)
- Proficiency in C++ and Python
- Experience developing Monte Carlo simulations and numerical analysis tools
- Excellent analytical, communication, and technical documentation skills
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- Strong controls foundation through advanced coursework, research, or control law design
- Hands-on work with commercial flight software frameworks
- On-orbit operations experience, including early-orbit commissioning and anomaly response
- Track record of developing flight software for space missions
- Familiarity with spacecraft polarity/phasing and other GNC-related testing
- Direct exposure with rendezvous & proximity operations (RPO)
- Experience creating analysis frameworks and models from scratch
- Proven ability to communicate and coordinate independently across systems engineering, flight software, and mission design teams
- Familiarity with Linux development environments and version control systems (e.g., Git)
Compensation & Benefits
Astro Digital provides a comprehensive benefits package including company stock options, healthcare, 401k retirement plan, and PTO. The compensation range for this role is $150k-$190k annually, depending on candidate experience, alignment, and location.
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 lbs. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.