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