Aerospace Engineer

Job Description

Senior GNC Engineer

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LITTLETON, CO

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Salary: $150,000 – $190,000

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About the Opportunity

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Join an innovative space technology 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.

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Position Summary

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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++.

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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.

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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.

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This is a remote-friendly role, open to US-based candidates.

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Primary Duties & Responsibilities

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

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

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

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Astro Digital employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes company stock options, healthcare, 401k retirement plan, and PTO. The range of possible compensation for this role is $150k–$190k annually, depending on candidate experience, alignment, and location