Senior GNC Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

As a Sr. GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control) Engineer for our Space team, you own the understanding and design of all satellite GNC subsystems to include but not limited to hardware sensors and actuators, orbit mechanics, navigation algorithms, flight software implementation, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T. The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. The Sr. GNC Engineer will lead algorithm design, truth and physics modeling, simulation and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include but not limited to LEO, MEO, GEO, Reentry, and RPOD (Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking). The Sr. GNC Engineer will help lead successful implementation, validation and GNC operations of Anduril’s fleet of spacecraft. This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril’s Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.

Requirements

Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Astrodynamics, Aerospace Engineering, Dynamics and Controls Engineering, Computer Science, or other engineering degree.
Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C++, Go, and/or Linux Systems.
Experience conducting spacecraft operations and satellite command and control with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime.
Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
Experience with orbital mechanics and resident space object tracking capabilities.
Experience developing 3-DOF simplified and 6-DOF high-fidelity dynamics simulation models used for GNC systems analysis and validation.
Familiarity with rendezvous proximity operations and docking, orbital mechanics with propulsive spacecraft, spacecraft attitude determination and controls.
Strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Nice To Haves

A desire to work on critical software and hardware designs in the space domain.
Experience testing propulsion subsystems in laboratory environments that mimic the space environmental constraints.
Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds and digital spacecraft simulators through nominal and fault scenarios.
Experience with computer vision and perception algorithms to support GNC operations.
Exposure to US satellite operations policy and constraints for relevant mission threads in all orbits.

Responsibilities

Lead spacecraft GNC software and hardware subsystems for various spacecraft efforts in all orbital regimes and work closely with bus providers for successful implementation.
Develop modern, software-defined approaches to autonomous spacecraft operations with maneuvering capabilities to successfully accomplish mission objectives.
Develop appropriate test plans and procedures to validate the GNC system during ground checkout, on-orbit commissioning and operations.
Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints.
Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems.
Directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation products.
Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for dynamic space operations
Test process development and execution.
Define automated fault detection and responses.
Provide hardware-in-the-loop and monte-carlo simulation capabilities.

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits
US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.