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Principal Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer

El Segundo, California

A New Paradigm For Space Operations.

Who We Are: 
 
Space Kinetic is a cleared, venture-backed startup focused on addressing urgent national security priorities. Our goal is to deliver a suite of asymmetric capabilities for space superiority and missile defense leveraging our proprietary electromechanical deployment system, which enables the rapid deployment of low-cost payloads through space without firing a thruster. Space Kinetic is currently assembling its TRL-5 prototype. Our goal is to leverage this platform to provide the United States with a new tool for securing the space domain & catalyzing the emerging space economy. 
 
What You’ll Do:
 
The Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer will lead the GNC subsystem development life cycle of Space Kinetics platform. From concept development through mission operations, the Principal GNC engineer will be responsible for developing algorithms that can be implemented in FSW, tested in simulation / hardware environments, and monitored in flight. The Principal GNC lead will be responsible for the overall subsystem development schedule to include both hardware and software elements. The Principal GNC engineer will work closely with other system elements to define interface requirements the GNC system. The Principal GNC Engineer will collaborate closely with subcontractors to ensure seamless integration and performance of the GNC system across all external and internal interfaces.

This role will lead the development of an entirely new GNC architecture for a first-of-its-kind spacecraft platform. For someone excited by novel technical challenges, mission-critical systems, and work on the bleeding edge of what has been flown before, this is a rare opportunity to help define a new paradigm in space operations.

  • Lead architect responsible for GNC design for space applications
  • Owns GNC subsystem level requirements, pointing budget and alignments
  • Design of algorithms for FSW development
  • Creates / Contributes to ground tools for constellation management
  • Owns GNC component level hardware trades and selection
  • Owns GNC level Verification and Validation (V&V) activities
  • Conducts GNC design analysis and Monte Carlo simulations
  • Supports / conducts hardware in the loop verification in system testbeds
  • Support internal and external design reviews
  • Works with senior management for GNC schedule and key milestones.

What It Takes:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering along with 5+ years of GNC experience.
  • Prior Spacecraft and Satellite Development and Operations experience.
  • Experience working with a different engineering departments and teams within the organization.
  • Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors.
  • End to End project lifecycle experience.
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder).
  • Ability to maintain or obtain a Government Security Clearance is required. 

What We’d Love:

  • Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience with flight software frameworks (e.g., NASA cFS, F’ FPrime, or custom architectures).
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and interface control documentation.

*Our vision is unique, and so is the team we’re building. If you’re driven to succeed in this role, even if your background doesn’t fully align with every qualification, we want your application.
 
Where You’ll Be: 

  • The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA. Domestic travel may be required (up to ~20% of the year). 

What We Offer:  
  • Equity-Based Compensation
  • Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structure
  • Health and Wellness Stipend
  • Commuter Benefits

ITAR Requirements:  
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here 

Equal Employment Opportunity: 
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. 

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data.  Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.  

Pay Range

$165,000 - $215,000 USD

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