Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC), Navigation Engineer jobs in United States
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Axiom Space · 7 hours ago

Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC), Navigation Engineer

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station, Axiom Station, and is seeking a bold and dynamic Senior GNC Engineer. The role involves designing control systems for aerospace vehicles, collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams, and ensuring GNC solutions align with overall vehicle design.

AerospaceIndustrial ManufacturingSpace Travel
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Responsibilities

Design, analyze, and implement GNC algorithms for aerospace vehicles
Develop sensor fusion algorithms (e.g., Kalman filtering, extended/unscented KF, complementary filters)
Evaluate and integrate navigation sensors (e.g. IMUs, GPS, star trackers, LiDAR)
Perform 6‑DOF modeling, simulation, and performance analysis to evaluate system behavior under nominal and off‑nominal conditions
Build high‑fidelity dynamic models of vehicles, sensors, actuators, and environmental disturbances
Conduct Monte Carlo analyses and sensitivity studies to validate robustness and reliability
Use tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or similar environments to develop simulations
Translate GNC algorithms into flight‑ready software, ensuring numerical stability, computational efficiency, and real‑time performance
Collaborate with embedded software teams to integrate, test, and verify GNC functionality on hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) systems
Support development of requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans for flight software
Plan and execute verification and validation activities, including unit tests, SIL/HIL testing, and integrated system tests
Analyze flight test or mission data to assess GNC performance and identify areas for improvement
Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for anomalies observed during testing or operations
Work with hardware teams to define performance requirements and ensure compatibility with GNC architecture
Contribute to system‑level design reviews, requirements development, and architecture decisions
Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and mission operations teams to ensure GNC solutions align with overall vehicle design
Provide technical leadership on sub‑projects, mentor junior engineers, and support design trade studies
Prepare technical reports, design documentation, test plans, and analysis summaries for internal and external stakeholders
Present findings at design reviews, customer meetings, and cross‑disciplinary engineering forums
Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, safety requirements, and certification processes
Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle
Perform additional job duties as assigned

Qualification

GNC algorithm designKalman filter development6-DOF modelingC++ programmingMATLAB/SimulinkPython programmingSIL/HIL testingTechnical leadershipCommunication skillsTeam collaborationProblem-solving

Required

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or other related technical degree required
4-9 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required
Development of navigation systems on flight vehicles (spacecraft preferred) with experience in at least one of the areas: Kalman Filter development and performance analysis, GNC hardware, including IMUs, GPS, Star Trackers and LiDAR, FDIR algorithms and safety for human rated spacecraft, SIL and HIL testing and integration, Sensor testing, performance characterization, and model development
Experience developing with 6-DOF Monte Carlo simulations, with experience with NASA's Trick simulation framework and JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD) preferred
Proficient with C++, Matlab, and/or Python coding languages
Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges
Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position
Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones

Preferred

Experience developing with 6-DOF Monte Carlo simulations, with experience with NASA's Trick simulation framework and JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD) preferred

Company

Axiom Space

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Axiom Space is a commercial space station company that connects to the ISS.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
$500M
Key Investors
1789 Capital,Type One VenturesAljazira Capital,Boryung PharmaceuticalC5 Capital
2025-03-27Series Unknown
2024-06-07Series Unknown
2023-08-21Series C· $350M

Leadership Team

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Jonathan Cirtain
CEO, President Axiom Space
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Kam Ghaffarian
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of the Board
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Company data provided by crunchbase