{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"01ec20462bda38b884cc2ecd","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/01ec20462bda38b884cc2ecd","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/01ec20462bda38b884cc2ecd","title":"Senior GNC Engineer","description":"Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:\nBenchmark Space Systems, a leader in small satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services, is looking for an experienced Senior GNC Engineer to join our team.\nIn this role you will focus on the software layer of our propulsion systems. This is a hands-on role for highly motivated engineers who don't just design algorithms but ship them. You will implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft propulsion systems, carry them through hardware-in-the-loop validation, and set the GNC engineering standards for a growing team. This position is ideal for a self‑driven individual with strong attention to detail and the ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.\nThis is an on-site role at our Pleasanton, CA office.\nAbout Benchmark:\nAt Benchmark Space Systems, we're pioneering the future of in-space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential—all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment.\nBacked by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we're building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting-edge concepts into real-world solutions. If you're ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there's never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.\nMeasurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:\nAt its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast-paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:\nDesign and implement GNC flight algorithms for spacecraft propulsion systems (chemical and electric), including closed loop burn execution, thrust, delta-v estimation, burn targeting, cutoff logic, and trajectory correction maneuvers.\nOwn the GNC flight code: architecture, implementation, review standards, configuration management, and verification evidence.\nDevelop and maintain 6 degrees of freedom simulation capability for burn execution and dispersion analysis across multiple programs.\nPerform stability analysis of control loops (classical margins, disturbance and slosh interaction, actuator/sensor dynamics) and document it to flight-review standards.\nDefine hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns: what to test, pass/fail criteria, fault injection cases, and test procedures.\nValidate flight software against simulation truth models and HIL results; close the loop between analysis, code, and test.\nSupport mission design reviews (PDR/CDR) with GNC analysis products: pointing budgets, execution-error models, and dispersion results.\nMentor and guide other engineers in GNC best practices, code quality, and verification discipline.\nContribute to the evolution of our GNC codebase and toolchain.\nEducation and/or Experience:\nBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.\n5+ years of GNC experience on space vehicles, with demonstrated ownership of algorithms from design through implementation and test.\nStrong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, including model-based design of flight algorithms.\nU.S. Person Requirement: Due to the nature of the work and access to export-controlled information, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.\nKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:\nWhat you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:\nSolid foundation in control theory and stability analysis (frequency- and time-domain methods, robustness margins).\nWorking knowledge of spacecraft attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, and propulsive maneuver design.\nExperience validating GNC software through hardware-in-the-loop testing, including defining test objectives and criteria.\nFamiliarity with flight software frameworks (cFS, F´) and real-time operating systems.\nAbility to write clear technical documentation and present analysis at design reviews.\nWhat makes you stand out:\nExperience writing flight or embedded software in C or Rust.\nExperience with propulsion-specific GNC: finite-burn effects, thrust/Isp uncertainty, propellant slosh, optimal jet select.\nExperience with both chemical and electric propulsion control (long-duration low-thrust guidance a plus).\nExperience with strapdown navigation, IMU error modeling, and sensor fusion.\nMonte Carlo and linear covariance dispersion analysis experience.\nGMAT, STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent astrodynamics tooling.\nPrior experience as a technical lead or mentor on a small team.\nExperience supporting government programs (NASA, DoD, SBIR/STTR).\nBenefits:\nHealth insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).\nVision & Dental Insurance.\nCompany paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.\nVoluntary Life Insurance.\nEmployee Assistance Program.\n401(k) with employer match.\nFlexible schedule.\nUnlimited vacation.\nPhysical Requirements/Working Conditions:\nAbility to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally.\nRegularly required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and kneel.\nAbility to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or completing documentation work.\nBenchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers @benchmark-space.com","company":"Benchmarkspacesystems","rawCompany":"benchmarkspacesystems","city":"Pleasanton","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-03T19:34:48.451Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"17-3021.00","title":"Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians","slug":"aerospace-engineering-and-operations-technologists-and-technicians"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"336415","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-propulsion-unit-and-propulsion-unit-parts-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Senior GNC Engineer","description":"Job Purpose and Primary Objectives:\nBenchmark Space Systems, a leader in small satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services, is looking for an experienced Senior GNC Engineer to join our team.\nIn this role you will focus on the software layer of our propulsion systems. This is a hands-on role for highly motivated engineers who don't just design algorithms but ship them. You will implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft propulsion systems, carry them through hardware-in-the-loop validation, and set the GNC engineering standards for a growing team. This position is ideal for a self‑driven individual with strong attention to detail and the ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.\nThis is an on-site role at our Pleasanton, CA office.\nAbout Benchmark:\nAt Benchmark Space Systems, we're pioneering the future of in-space mobility. Our propulsion technologies provide satellites the ability to maneuver, avoid collisions, and maximize mission potential—all while contributing to a safer, more sustainable space environment.\nBacked by recent funding and a growing slate of new flight contracts for government and commercial customers, we're building a workplace where bold ideas and passionate people thrive. Engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers at Benchmark tackle some of the toughest challenges in spaceflight, working together to turn cutting-edge concepts into real-world solutions. If you're ready to help shape the next era of spaceflight, there's never been a better time to join Benchmark Space Systems.\nMeasurements of Success/Primary Job Responsibilities:\nAt its core, Benchmark is an entrepreneurial, fast-paced organization. In this environment, we need all employees to solve problems, not be afraid to ask questions and be able to work with and help colleagues in different departments and positions by digging in and working on other tasks as needed/assigned depending on business needs. With that said, there are primary job responsibilities and measurements of success for this position, which are:\nDesign and implement GNC flight algorithms for spacecraft propulsion systems (chemical and electric), including closed loop burn execution, thrust, delta-v estimation, burn targeting, cutoff logic, and trajectory correction maneuvers.\nOwn the GNC flight code: architecture, implementation, review standards, configuration management, and verification evidence.\nDevelop and maintain 6 degrees of freedom simulation capability for burn execution and dispersion analysis across multiple programs.\nPerform stability analysis of control loops (classical margins, disturbance and slosh interaction, actuator/sensor dynamics) and document it to flight-review standards.\nDefine hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns: what to test, pass/fail criteria, fault injection cases, and test procedures.\nValidate flight software against simulation truth models and HIL results; close the loop between analysis, code, and test.\nSupport mission design reviews (PDR/CDR) with GNC analysis products: pointing budgets, execution-error models, and dispersion results.\nMentor and guide other engineers in GNC best practices, code quality, and verification discipline.\nContribute to the evolution of our GNC codebase and toolchain.\nEducation and/or Experience:\nBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field.\n5+ years of GNC experience on space vehicles, with demonstrated ownership of algorithms from design through implementation and test.\nStrong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, including model-based design of flight algorithms.\nU.S. Person Requirement: Due to the nature of the work and access to export-controlled information, applicants must qualify as a U.S. Person under U.S. export control laws. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future.\nKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:\nWhat you bring to the position, or have the ability to swiftly learn and be successful in:\nSolid foundation in control theory and stability analysis (frequency- and time-domain methods, robustness margins).\nWorking knowledge of spacecraft attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, and propulsive maneuver design.\nExperience validating GNC software through hardware-in-the-loop testing, including defining test objectives and criteria.\nFamiliarity with flight software frameworks (cFS, F´) and real-time operating systems.\nAbility to write clear technical documentation and present analysis at design reviews.\nWhat makes you stand out:\nExperience writing flight or embedded software in C or Rust.\nExperience with propulsion-specific GNC: finite-burn effects, thrust/Isp uncertainty, propellant slosh, optimal jet select.\nExperience with both chemical and electric propulsion control (long-duration low-thrust guidance a plus).\nExperience with strapdown navigation, IMU error modeling, and sensor fusion.\nMonte Carlo and linear covariance dispersion analysis experience.\nGMAT, STK, FreeFlyer, or equivalent astrodynamics tooling.\nPrior experience as a technical lead or mentor on a small team.\nExperience supporting government programs (NASA, DoD, SBIR/STTR).\nBenefits:\nHealth insurance (100% coverage for individuals, 80% for families).\nVision & Dental Insurance.\nCompany paid life, AD&D, and disability insurances.\nVoluntary Life Insurance.\nEmployee Assistance Program.\n401(k) with employer match.\nFlexible schedule.\nUnlimited vacation.\nPhysical Requirements/Working Conditions:\nAbility to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. occasionally.\nRegularly required to stand, walk, bend, reach, and kneel.\nAbility to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or completing documentation work.\nBenchmark Space Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at careers @benchmark-space.com","datePosted":"2026-08-03T19:34:48.451Z","dateModified":"2026-08-03T19:34:48.451Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Benchmarkspacesystems","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Pleasanton","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"01ec20462bda38b884cc2ecd"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/01ec20462bda38b884cc2ecd"}}