GNC Engineer

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Salary: $110,000 - $200,000 per annum + equity + benefits

Alexander Associates are partnering with an innovative space technology company developing next-generation spacecraft platforms and orbital infrastructure. We are seeking a talented Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering team working on advanced spacecraft guidance, control, and simulation technologies.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge space systems, supporting both flight software and simulation environments while helping shape the future of large-scale spacecraft operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate advanced Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) architectures for spacecraft systems and mechanisms
• Design and implement innovative control algorithms for precise pointing and manoeuvring of large, flexible spacecraft structures
• Develop navigation, estimation, and control solutions to maximise vehicle performance in both nominal and off-nominal operating conditions
• Execute trade studies to evaluate and optimise spacecraft control and navigation strategies
• Support the verification and validation of GNC flight software using simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and hardware-out-of-the-loop (HOOTL) testing environments
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6-DOF) spacecraft simulations
• Analyse mission performance and use operational data to improve future spacecraft capabilities
• Contribute directly to flight software development and simulation infrastructure
• Support spacecraft launch campaigns and on-orbit mission operations
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to define and deliver next-generation spacecraft capabilities
• Assist with mentoring and supporting the growth of the wider GNC engineering team

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
• Experience developing Guidance, Navigation & Control systems for aerospace, spacecraft, satellite, or autonomous vehicle applications
• Experience with actuator and sensor sizing, selection, and system design
• Experience implementing control and/or estimation algorithms
• Experience validating GNC software using simulation and integrated test environments
• Experience with 6-DOF simulation, modelling, and system performance analysis
• Proficiency in one or more of the following:
• Python
• MATLAB
• C/C++
• Julia
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a systems engineering mindset

Desirable Experience

• Spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)
• Extended Kalman Filters (EKF) and navigation algorithms
• Reaction wheels, control moment gyroscopes, motors, or thruster control systems
• Control algorithm development and optimisation
• Mission design, trajectory analysis, and orbital mechanics
• Early-stage spacecraft or vehicle concept development
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and hardware-out-of-the-loop (HOOTL) testing
• Flight software development for space applications
• Experience supporting launch and on-orbit operations

What''s on Offer

• Equity participation opportunities
• Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid holiday allowance and parental leave
• Life insurance and additional employee benefits
• Opportunity to work on pioneering spacecraft and space infrastructure programmes
• Exposure to mission-critical flight software, simulation, and on-orbit operations
• Career progression within a rapidly growing space technology organisation

This is an exceptional opportunity for a GNC Engineer looking to contribute to groundbreaking spacecraft programmes and help shape the future of space exploration and infrastructure.