Lead GNC and Perception Engineer

About the role

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is seeking an experienced, driven engineer to lead the development of GNC and perception systems for our next-generation planetary rovers. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting system vision, making critical design decisions, driving execution, and ensuring the reliability of these systems on the lunar surface.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, verification, validation, testing, and characterization of GNC and perception systems for manual, semi-autonomous, and autonomous rover operations
• Define GNC and perception technical direction and system architecture with inputs from stakeholders across GNC, avionics, and software
• Manage and mentor a team of GNC and perception engineers
• Work with avionics responsible engineers to select, test, characterize, and calibrate GNC and perception sensors
• Work closely with the simulation and software teams to prototype and analyze GNC algorithms in the vehicle simulation and software test environment
• Work closely with the flight software team to support implementation and testing of GNC and perception flight software
• Define and oversee testing and validation of the integrated GNC solution on a variety of simulation and test platforms in lab and analog environments
• Ensure the GNC and perception system design, implementation, and testing are closely coordinated with affected stakeholders such as vehicle engineering (for sensor and lighting placement), avionics, software, and mission operations team
• Ensure the GNC and perception system design and implementation meet all applicable safety, reliability, and fault tolerance requirements
• Balance performance, risk, and embedded compute constraints
• Ensure that rover GNC and perception systems support the required tele-operated, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous vehicle operations
• Provide support during rover operations on the lunar surface

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience developing GNC, perception, and autonomy systems for space vehicles, extraterrestrial rovers, or autonomous terrestrial vehicles
• Strong background supporting full vehicle development lifecycles, from architecture and trade studies through embedded implementation, verification, testing, and operations
• Deep expertise in perception and navigation systems, including sensor integration, image processing, localization, multi-sensor odometry, terrain-relative navigation, pose estimation, hazard detection, terrain mapping, and route planning
• Hands-on experience developing and optimizing embedded autonomy, perception, and navigation software for compute- and power-constrained systems
• Familiarity with the unique challenges of extraterrestrial rover operations, including lunar terrain, lighting conditions, regolith, thermal constraints, limited power environments, and NASA mission assurance expectations
• Prior experience implementing and testing GNC and perception system software on real flight hardware or embedded platforms

Qualifications

• Experience leading high-performing engineering teams and delivering complex technical programs under aggressive timelines and constrained resources
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Passionate about innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in planetary exploration

Skills

• Expertise in GNC, perception, and autonomy systems
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience with spacecraft and rover systems
• Knowledge of spacecraft and rover mission assurance practices

Benefits

• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Home office set up reimbursement
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

Pay

$142,000 - $235,000 / year

Schedule

Full-time