Senior Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer

Space Kinetic•El Segundo, CA

3d•$160,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations. They are developing a system that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology to space missions while reducing reliance on consumable fuel. Their goal is to move away from traditional one-to-one space architectures to a 'one-to-many' system where each satellite can deploy a large number of payloads at high velocities without using thrusters. This role is not for someone seeking a traditional 40-hour work week, as the company is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
3+ years of GNC experience.
Prior Spacecraft and Satellite Development and Operations experience.
Experience working cross functionally across subsystems to accomplish mission requirements.
Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors.
End to End project lifecycle experience.
Hardware in the Loop testing experience to validate GNC models.
Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State to conform to U.S. Government export regulations.
Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, F’ FPrime, or custom architectures).
Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and interface control documentation.

Responsibilities

Lead the GNC subsystem development life cycle of Space Kinetic's platform, from concept development through mission operations.
Develop algorithms that can be implemented in FSW, tested in simulation/hardware environments, and monitored in flight.
Be responsible for the overall subsystem development schedule, including both hardware and software elements.
Work closely with other system elements to define interface requirements for the GNC system.
Collaborate closely with subcontractors to ensure seamless integration and performance of the GNC system across all external and internal interfaces.
Architect and implement a novel GNC design for a unique spacecraft platform.
Work with subcontractors to develop and integrate GNC software and hardware.
Own GNC subsystem level requirements.
Design of algorithms for FSW development.
Create/Contribute to ground tools for constellation management.
Own GNC component level hardware trades and selection.
Own GNC level Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
Conduct GNC design analysis and Monte Carlo simulations.
Support/conduct hardware in the loop verification in system testbeds.
Support internal and external design reviews.
Work with senior management for GNC schedule and key milestones.