Principal GNC Engineer

Full-Remote OpportunityAirbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers fully remote opportunities for qualified U.S. candidates. Preferred work locations: Arlington VA, Denver CO, Houston TX, or Merritt Island FL.Company OverviewAirbus U.S. Space & Defense is a trusted government partner that delivers advanced satellite, laser communication, rotor, and fixed-wing solutions to U.S. defense, security, space and intelligence customers. With more than 50 years of experience, we foster a diverse and inclusive work environment and offer competitive compensation, superior benefits and opportunities for career growth.Position SummaryAirbus U.S. seeks an experienced Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer to develop satellite GNC systems. The role requires strong aerospace engineering skills and experience in complex programs.Position ResponsibilitiesGuidance, Navigation, and Control – 50%Design and implement GNC for new spacecraft to accommodate a variety of mission payloads on Airbus platforms.Analyze, design, and develop GNC systems, including: Sensors and actuatorsAlgorithms and flight softwareGNC electronicsSupport subsystem requirement development and flow-down in all life-cycle phases, emphasizing Design for Cost, Manufacturability, and Test.Ensure maximum reuse of existing Airbus heritage products, identifying modifications when necessary.Drive multiple design activities (programs or missions) – including spacecraft, payload, satellite bus, or launch integration.Participate in cross-functional planning, coordination, and execution across engineering and integration activities.Simulation Development – 40%Support the Airbus spacecraft development roadmap with design adjustments, schedule, and cost targets for future business captures.Define the spacecraft customization process for customer mission needs.Additional Responsibilities – 10%Perform all GNC system engineering activities to build, maintain, and evolve Airbus spacecraft products.Promote cost savings through reuse of heritage platform designs and manufacturing infrastructures for constellation prospects.Qualified Experience / Skills / TrainingEducationBachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific fields.Preferred: Master's degree in STEM or related scientific fields.Experience15+ years in guidance, navigation, and control system analysis, design, and verification on spacecraft.Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated CapabilitiesProficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and STK.Modeling, simulating, and analyzing GNC sensors, actuators, dynamics, and algorithms.Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (SysML/UML) and processes for requirements, architectures, interfaces, and trade studies.Experience with software development, verification, and validation.Object-oriented programming (C/C++) and scripting (TCL, Python).Travel RequiredPeriodic travel (= 20 %) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies.Occasional international travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.EligibilityU.S. Citizenship required.ClearanceAbility to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance.Physical RequirementsVision: able to see and read computer screens and other electronic equipment.Hearing: able to participate in conversations and hear safety warnings or alarms.Equipment operation: able to use most office and personal electronic equipment.Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment, and supplies up to 40 lbs (18 kg).Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment, and supplies up to 40 lbs (18 kg).Sitting: able to sit for long periods during meetings and computer work.Squatting/Kneeling: occasional squat or kneel to retrieve items from lower shelves.Standing: able to stand for long periods.Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas, including uneven surfaces.Equal OpportunityAirbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. Airbus complies with applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. Airbus prohibits workplace harassment and does not sponsor visas for U.S. positions unless specified. Employment is at-will; either party may terminate the relationship at any time.Consent and PrivacyBy submitting your resume or application, you consent to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes related to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus welcomes all applicants irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Airbus will never ask for any monetary exchange during recruitment. For any impersonation, report to View email address on click.appcast.io AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.