Satellite Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer

General Atomics (GA) and its affiliates develop high‑technology systems ranging from nuclear fuel cycles to remotely piloted aircraft and advanced electric, electronic, wireless, and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) designs and manufactures first‑of‑a‑kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems, supporting critical fleet, space, missile‑defense, power‑energy, and process‑monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide. The CSS group in Herndon, VA provides innovative security solutions for the U.S. Government, focusing on spacecraft payload and system development, ground control software, embedded software, and cyber capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) algorithms for satellite missions.
• Design, implement, simulate, and test Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) systems.
• Establish, maintain, and execute satellite attitude control simulation software.
• Analyze stability and robustness of guidance and control algorithms using control theory and Monte Carlo simulations.
• Undertake requirements capture, performance trades, and design activities.
• Participate in system‑level design of satellite systems across all project phases, including attitude control subsystem architectural development.
• Provide direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professionals.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information and observe all applicable laws, regulations, and obligations.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, with progressive engineering experience:
  • 9+ years with a bachelor’s degree, or
  • 7+ years with a master’s degree, or
  • 4+ years with a PhD.
  Equivalent engineering experience may substitute for education.
• Extensive technical expertise in engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice; ability to organize, plan, schedule, and coordinate workloads to meet deadlines or milestones; some project‑leadership experience.
• Ability to quickly understand new concepts and apply them accurately in an evolving environment.
• Experience with satellite attitude and orbit control systems.
• Experience with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology and its implementation in satellite systems.
• Experience with physics‑based modeling of dynamic systems and Monte Carlo simulation analysis.
• Proficiency in software development using C/C++ and Matlab/Simulink.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with other departments, management, staff, customers, and government representatives.
• Self‑initiated work style and ability to thrive in a team environment.
• Willingness to work extended hours as required and adapt to changing priorities and workloads.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Pay

Salary range: $105,890 – $189,545 per year.

Schedule

Full‑time position on a 9‑day‑per‑2‑weeks (9x80) schedule with every other Friday off. Position is entirely in‑person.