GNC Engineer

AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.•,

1d•Remote

About The Position

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to support development, analysis, and verification of satellite GNC systems. The engineer contributes across the spacecraft development lifecycle, from requirements refinement through integration, testing, and operations, working with senior engineers and cross-functional teams. This role is fully remote for candidates across the United States; preferred work locations are Arlington, Virginia; Denver, Colorado; or Merritt Island, Florida. The position focuses on developing satellite GNC systems and spacecraft simulations. Work includes designing and implementing GNC systems for spacecraft and mission payloads; analyzing sensors, actuators, algorithms, flight software, and GNC electronics; and developing high-fidelity simulation architectures and models for performance analysis, validation, and mission trade studies. The engineer supports requirements development and flow-down, integration and verification, reuse of heritage products, and improvements to spacecraft product lines. Periodic travel of less than 20% to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies is required, with occasional international travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in STEM or a related scientific area.
At least 3 years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 1 year with a master's degree.
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink.
Ability to model, simulate, and analyze spacecraft dynamics, sensors, actuators, or control algorithms.
Exposure to software development practices, verification, or validation activities.
Experience with at least one programming or scripting language, such as C/C++, Python, or TCL.
Strong analytical skills and willingness to collaborate in a team environment.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance.
Periodic travel of less than 20% to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies, and occasional international travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in STEM or a related scientific area.
Familiarity with STK.
Active DoD security clearance at Secret level or above.

Responsibilities

Design and implement GNC systems for new spacecraft designs and mission payloads on Airbus spacecraft platforms.
Analyze, design, and develop sensors, actuators, algorithms, flight software, and GNC electronics.
Support development of subsystem-level requirements and flow-down to components and parts throughout the development lifecycle.
Apply design-for-cost, design-for-manufacturability, and design-for-test approaches.
Maximize reuse of existing Airbus heritage products and identify when modifications are needed.
Drive multiple design activities across programs or missions, potentially including spacecraft, payload, satellite bus, and launch integration activities.
Participate in cross-functional planning, coordination, and execution of engineering and integration activities.
Develop high-fidelity simulation architectures for spacecraft GNC performance analysis, algorithm validation, and mission-level trade studies.
Build, maintain, and update simulation models to reflect spacecraft design changes, mission requirements, and product-line roadmaps.
Integrate sensors, actuators, GNC algorithms, and flight software into end-to-end simulation frameworks for verification and design optimization.
Develop simulation tools to evaluate the performance impacts of mission-specific spacecraft modifications.
Conduct Monte Carlo analyses, linear covariance assessments, and closed-loop performance evaluations to verify compliance with system-level requirements.
Automate simulation workflows to accelerate design iteration, requirements flow-down, and assessment of cost and manufacturability considerations.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure simulations represent spacecraft architecture, subsystem interfaces, and operational constraints.
Document simulation artifacts, assumptions, and model validation results for design reviews and certification activities.
Contribute to development and updates of Airbus spacecraft product lines.
Assist in evaluating cost-saving and design-reuse opportunities across programs.
Support troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and ongoing improvements on active projects.