Senior GNC Engineer

Join an innovative space technology company that designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with 100+ employees and infrastructure around the globe.

About the role

We're looking for an experienced Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to take ownership of the analysis that makes our spacecraft fly. You'll drive high-fidelity simulation, performance evaluation, and system-level analysis of GNC systems and roll up your sleeves to shape flight software in C++. From large deployable structures and laser communications to high-precision astrophysics observations, in-space robotics, constellations, and rendezvous & proximity operations, you'll get your hands on the full spectrum of cutting-edge spacecraft missions. Your analysis will directly steer Systems Engineering on mission design and CONOPS, along with the actuator and sensor performance requirements that define what's possible. Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential—you'll help build and maintain the modeling, simulation, and analysis tool stack that we use to design these missions. This is a remote-friendly role, open to US-based candidates.

Responsibilities

• Build high-fidelity models and simulations of spacecraft GNC systems and prove them out across every mission phase
• Conduct Monte Carlo analyses, covariance studies, and performance assessments to validate GNC algorithms before they fly
• Create and evolve the simulation and analysis tools we use to design missions and flight software components that implement them
• Analyze sensor and actuator performance, including propulsion subsystems, star trackers, IMUs, reaction wheels, and GNSS
• Write and refine C++ flight software GNC components and flight software configuration
• Support verification and validation of flight software through unit testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations
• Collaborate with systems engineering, mission design, and flight software teams to ensure GNC performance meets mission requirements
• Document analysis results, software interfaces, and validation procedures

Requirements

• U.S. person status required (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with ITAR/EAR export-control regulations
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in spacecraft GNC analysis and simulation
• Strong understanding of spacecraft dynamics, control systems, and estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering)
• Proficiency in C++ and Python
• Experience developing Monte Carlo simulations and numerical analysis tools
• Excellent analytical, communication, and technical documentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Strong controls foundation through advanced coursework, research, or control law design
• Hands-on work with commercial flight software frameworks (e.g., GNC-capable satellite flight software stacks)
• On-orbit operations experience, including early-orbit commissioning and anomaly response
• Track record of developing flight software for space missions
• Familiarity with spacecraft polarity/phasing and other GNC-related testing
• Direct exposure with rendezvous & proximity operations (RPO)
• Experience creating analysis frameworks and models from scratch, not just operating existing tools
• Proven ability to communicate and coordinate independently across systems engineering, flight software, and mission design teams
• Familiarity with Linux development environments and version control systems (e.g., Git)

Pay

The range of possible compensation for this role is $150,000–$190,000 annually, depending on candidate experience, alignment, and location.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including company stock options
• Healthcare
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)