Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer – Space Technology | Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid/Onsite)
About the Opportunity
Are you ready to help shape the future of clean energy from space? Join a fast-growing, Series A-funded space technology startup that’s pioneering a constellation of space-based reflectors to beam sunlight back to Earth after dark—making solar power available around the clock.
With a dynamic team of ~20 engineers and recent backing from top-tier venture investors, this is your chance to take ownership, move fast, and make a real impact on a mission that could forever change how the world is powered.
What You’ll Do
· Develop, own, and improve a 6-DOF simulation for vehicle attitude, station-keeping, and orbital performance.
· Design and implement controllers for flight-ready avionics—writing the software yourself and seeing it fly.
· Use simulation to inform and constrain ADCS (Attitude Determination and Control System) design.
· Collaborate closely with avionics engineers to ensure high-performance, reliable attitude determination and control.
· Analyze orbits, constellation designs, trajectories, and attitude motion profiles to optimize vehicle service and performance.
· Contribute to high-level vehicle architecture and design decisions.
· Support prototyping and implement controllers on prototype hardware.
· Creatively solve novel technical challenges—like precisely targeting a spot of reflected sunlight from space to Earth.
What We’re Looking For
· Demonstrated technical ownership of functioning vehicle controllers and simulation environments (“I designed and simulated the GNC for…”).
· Experience building simulation environments from scratch, with strong opinions and familiarity with best practices.
· Hands-on experience implementing attitude control and/or estimation algorithms on spacecraft or similar vehicles.
· Proficiency in verification and validation of GNC flight software in integrated environments, including 6-DOF simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing.
· Passion for fast-paced, high-ownership environments and a drive to solve problems that have never been solved before.
Why Join Us?
· Work alongside a team of passionate engineers, including leadership with deep roots in aerospace and space hardware.
· Be part of a mission-driven company that’s redefining the future of energy.
· Opportunity to own critical systems and see your work fly on the first spacecraft launch in 2026.
· Competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a collaborative, innovative culture.
Location:
Los Angeles, CA (Hawthorne) – Hybrid/Onsite preferred
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field is required.
· Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant field is a strong plus.
· Equivalent practical experience in GNC engineering for spacecraft, satellites, or autonomous vehicles may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree for exceptional candidates.
Compensation
· Level 1$140K – $165K • Offers Equity
· Level 2$160K – $180K • Offers Equity
· Level 3$185K – $215K • Offers Equity
· Level 4$200K – $240K • Offers Equity