Principal Guidance Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

K2 Space • Los Angeles, CA

70d • $190,000 - $250,000

About The Position

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space. The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market. We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

Requirements

• Experience with GNC actuator or sensor sizing, selection, and system design
• Experience with implementing attitude control and/or estimation algorithms on spacecraft
• Experience with verification and validation of GNC flight software in an integrated environment, leveraging 6-DOF simulation and HITL testing
• Experience with early-stage spacecraft conceptual design, i.e. 'clean sheet' design work
• Experience with Python, Julia, C/C++, or Matlab for algorithm development, implementation, and simulation

Nice To Haves

• Experience with control algorithm development
• Experience with reaction wheel, control moment gyroscope, or thruster sizing and algorithm implementation
• Experience with navigation, specifically Extended Kalman Filters
• Experience with trajectory analysis, modeling, and mission design

Responsibilities

• Work with other engineering leads to set the direction and develop novel vehicle architecture
• Develop novel algorithms for precise pointing of very large, flexible structures in earth orbit and beyond
• Develop novel slewing algorithms of very large, flexible structures in earth orbit and beyond
• Develop simulation and modeling tools to support vehicle and GNC trade studies, including mission design, controls analysis, and 6-DOF simulation development
• Integral to building the GNC organization by recruiting, hiring, and mentoring other engineers

Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $190,000 - $250,000 + equity in the company
• Comprehensive benefits package including unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees