Principal GNC Engineer

Katalyst Space Technologies•Broomfield, CO

About The Position

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft for dynamic space operations, aiming to make maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration routine. The company focuses on developing foundational capabilities for sustained, responsive operations in space, enabling a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action. Working at Katalyst is described as intense, hands-on, and rewarding, with opportunities for real ownership and impact in an environment with hard problems and driven teammates. The culture values humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline
5+ years of experience working in guidance, navigation, and control
Software development experience in Python
Experience developing, debugging, and deploying GNC sensors, effectors, and algorithms that have been used in real-world applications/projects
Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding start-up atmosphere
Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design, testing, verification/validation, and in-orbit mission operations
Expertise in either guidance, navigation, or control
Experience with multi-body astrodynamics
Experience with Git, Linux, and Basilisk
Software development experience in C/C++
Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Responsibilities

Architect solutions for space mission objectives related to space domain awareness and RPOD, with a focus on autonomy, considering both hardware and software.
Evaluate and select appropriate techniques such as machine learning methods, physics-informed solutions, stochastic methods, and Kalman Filters.
Assist in proposal capture efforts with feasibility analysis and engage with private/public partners, Department of Defense, Other Government Agencies, and commercial partnerships.
Develop architecture, lead trade studies, and lead the GNC team from conceptualization to flight for RPOD missions.
Design algorithms, simulations, and tools for orbit determination, state estimation, and uncertainty propagation to support SDA efforts.
Analyze and source datasets for training and validation of algorithm performance.
Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital/cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling, and visualization.
Perform six-degree-of-freedom modeling, simulation, and validation of spacecraft dynamics, sensors, and algorithms, including for RPOD missions.
Collaborate with software and GNC teams to implement algorithms in flight software.
Support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation.
Design concepts of operations (CONOPS) that balance thermal, power, momentum, and communications for spacecraft missions.
Provide mission operations training and support.