Senior/Principal Navigation Engineer, Spacecraft

About the role

Katalyst builds robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, focusing on foundational capabilities for sustained, responsive space activity. This role involves architecting vision-based navigation systems, defining and evaluating algorithms, and leading the integration of camera systems with guidance, navigation, and control stacks.

Responsibilities

• Arcitect vision-based navigation systems for autonomous space missions
• Define and evaluate algorithms for pose estimation, feature tracking, and sensor fusion
• Build prototype CV pipelines for onboard and simulation environments
• Lead integration of camera systems with GNC stack
• Deliver a vision-based navigation architecture for SDA/RPOD missions
• Develop and validate perception algorithms using synthetic and real datasets
• Stand up simulation environments for camera modeling and scene generation
• Drive integration and testing of navigation solutions within full system

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Aerospace, Robotics, Computer Vision, or related field
• 5+ years experience in navigation, state estimation, or computer vision systems
• Strong experience with computer vision techniques (e.g., SLAM, visual odometry, feature detection)
• Proficiency in Python and/or C++ for algorithm development
• Experience deploying algorithms to real-world or flight-like systems
• Proven ability to lead technical projects from concept to deployment

Desired Experience

• With space-based navigation (e.g., RPOD, planetary landing, SSA/SDA)
• Familiarity with multi-sensor fusion (IMU, cameras, LiDAR, etc.)
• Experience with OpenCV, ROS, or similar frameworks
• Understanding of spacecraft dynamics and GNC systems
• Experience with simulation tools and synthetic data generation

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 annually.

Schedule

Compensation and benefits details provided above.