{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"59e44effd82fbb0af384c836","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/59e44effd82fbb0af384c836","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/59e44effd82fbb0af384c836","title":"GNC Engineer","description":"Job DescriptionDescription:At OKSI, we believe in owning problems end to end — from first concept through final delivery. We see it through! If you're looking for a place where you can take real ownership, stretch your skills, a place to grow your career while owning meaningful, mission-driven work, this is where you belong.OKSI is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to design, develop, and validate GNC algorithms, flight software, and control systems for spacecraft and/or aerial vehicle platforms. The successful candidate will work across the full engineering lifecycle — from algorithm design and simulation through hardware integration, test, and on-orbit or flight operations — collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams, program management, and internal and external stakeholders.WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DOAlgorithm & Software DevelopmentDesign and develop GNC algorithms for attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointingDesign flight software, algorithms, and simulation products, and support spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation managementDevelop GNC software modules and interfaces in collaboration with software engineers, ensuring seamless integration with overall vehicle systemsImplement designed flight control algorithms onto flight control system hardwareAnalysis & SimulationConduct spacecraft/vehicle dynamics analysis and perform simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracyPerform trade studies and recommend optimal GNC configurations, weighing factors such as power, mass, and costRun hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and Monte Carlo simulations, including iron-bird analysis where applicableDefine fault detection and response strategies for GNC subsystemsHardware & Systems IntegrationSelect GNC components and lead GNC subsystem design, including reaction wheels, thrusters, magnetic torquers, IMUs, star trackers, and gyroscopesDevelop blended attitude solutions from multiple sensor data sourcesCollaborate with spacecraft, payload, and avionics engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC compatibility and integrationTest & OperationsDevelop and execute test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing, performance evaluation, and anomaly resolutionSupport subscale-to-full-scale test and flight test activities, including travel to support flight test operations as neededAnalyze telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related anomalies and performance issuesSupport on-orbit or in-flight operations and anomaly resolutionProgram & Team CollaborationSupport internal and external design reviewsWork with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain schedules, milestones, and technical status reportingCoordinate with distributed engineering teams across multiple sitesAssist in development of technical proposals and project estimates, and help resolve technical and engineering conflictsStay current on industry advancements and emerging technologies in GNC systems, contributing to continuous improvement initiativesRequirements:REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience)2+ years of professional experience in GNC/ADCS, spacecraft dynamics, flight testing, or a related disciplineStrong knowledge of spacecraft/vehicle dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theoryProficiency in relevant programming and analysis tools (e.g., C/C++, MATLAB, Python), including numerical simulation and analysisFamiliarity with GNC hardware and software components: sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers), actuators, and control algorithmsExperience with simulation tools commonly used in GNC engineering (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK)Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectorsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster's or PhD in a related engineering fieldActive DoD Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one• Hands-on experience with IMUs, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardwareExperience with rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) design and operations• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight softwareKnowledge of industry standards and protocols for GNC systems, such as CCSDS, ECSS, and GPS/GNSS• Experience with autopilot, flight control, ground control communications, or air vehicle subsystem integration and test, for manned or unmanned platformsFamiliarity with Part 23/27 aircraft certification requirementsExperience with Jira or similar planning and workflow toolsPrior experience mentoring junior engineers or leading a team across a project lifecycleExperience working multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing across a teamExperience with GNC-related business development or conceptual design workDESIRED COMPETENCIESStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex system dynamics and propose effective solutionsExcellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and collaboration skillsSelf-motivated, with the ability to work independently and within a team-oriented environmentStrong initiative, ownership of work products, and commitment to continuous improvementAbility to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesAttention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlinesCompensation and BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid by the employer for employeesThree weeks of vacation to startAutomatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)Educational assistance and professional development opportunitiesIn-office (Jacksonville, AK or Los Angeles, CA ) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent)Level II: $98,059 - $132,668.Level III: $117,300 - $158,700Why OKSI?See your work fielded fast. Get hands-on with hardware and watch it deployed to customers within months, not years.Build next-generation defense technology. Our engineering work protects warfighters, reduces collateral damage, and safeguards civilians.Speed and Accuracy We move quickly, and you'll see your work through from concept to deployment — not just one slice of the pipeline; no process bottlenecks we move with speed and agility !Flexible schedule Working at OKSI provides you with a unique opportunity to see fruition of your work while still having a real work-life balance with our hybrid schedule options.Professional Growth . OKSI is expanding and growing, which means faster-than-typical opportunities to advance your career.We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.This employer participates in E-Verify.","company":"Optoknowledge Systems","rawCompany":"optoknowledge systems","city":"Industry","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-10-25T12:54:00.073Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"},{"code":"17-2072.00","title":"Electronics Engineers, Except Computer","slug":"electronics-engineers-except-computer"}],"industries":[{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"334511","title":"Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing","slug":"search-detection-navigation-guidance-aeronautical-and-nautical-system-and-instrument-manufacturing"},{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"GNC Engineer","description":"Job DescriptionDescription:At OKSI, we believe in owning problems end to end — from first concept through final delivery. We see it through! If you're looking for a place where you can take real ownership, stretch your skills, a place to grow your career while owning meaningful, mission-driven work, this is where you belong.OKSI is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to design, develop, and validate GNC algorithms, flight software, and control systems for spacecraft and/or aerial vehicle platforms. The successful candidate will work across the full engineering lifecycle — from algorithm design and simulation through hardware integration, test, and on-orbit or flight operations — collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams, program management, and internal and external stakeholders.WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DOAlgorithm & Software DevelopmentDesign and develop GNC algorithms for attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointingDesign flight software, algorithms, and simulation products, and support spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation managementDevelop GNC software modules and interfaces in collaboration with software engineers, ensuring seamless integration with overall vehicle systemsImplement designed flight control algorithms onto flight control system hardwareAnalysis & SimulationConduct spacecraft/vehicle dynamics analysis and perform simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracyPerform trade studies and recommend optimal GNC configurations, weighing factors such as power, mass, and costRun hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and Monte Carlo simulations, including iron-bird analysis where applicableDefine fault detection and response strategies for GNC subsystemsHardware & Systems IntegrationSelect GNC components and lead GNC subsystem design, including reaction wheels, thrusters, magnetic torquers, IMUs, star trackers, and gyroscopesDevelop blended attitude solutions from multiple sensor data sourcesCollaborate with spacecraft, payload, and avionics engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC compatibility and integrationTest & OperationsDevelop and execute test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing, performance evaluation, and anomaly resolutionSupport subscale-to-full-scale test and flight test activities, including travel to support flight test operations as neededAnalyze telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related anomalies and performance issuesSupport on-orbit or in-flight operations and anomaly resolutionProgram & Team CollaborationSupport internal and external design reviewsWork with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain schedules, milestones, and technical status reportingCoordinate with distributed engineering teams across multiple sitesAssist in development of technical proposals and project estimates, and help resolve technical and engineering conflictsStay current on industry advancements and emerging technologies in GNC systems, contributing to continuous improvement initiativesRequirements:REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience)2+ years of professional experience in GNC/ADCS, spacecraft dynamics, flight testing, or a related disciplineStrong knowledge of spacecraft/vehicle dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theoryProficiency in relevant programming and analysis tools (e.g., C/C++, MATLAB, Python), including numerical simulation and analysisFamiliarity with GNC hardware and software components: sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers), actuators, and control algorithmsExperience with simulation tools commonly used in GNC engineering (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK)Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectorsPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSMaster's or PhD in a related engineering fieldActive DoD Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one• Hands-on experience with IMUs, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardwareExperience with rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) design and operations• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight softwareKnowledge of industry standards and protocols for GNC systems, such as CCSDS, ECSS, and GPS/GNSS• Experience with autopilot, flight control, ground control communications, or air vehicle subsystem integration and test, for manned or unmanned platformsFamiliarity with Part 23/27 aircraft certification requirementsExperience with Jira or similar planning and workflow toolsPrior experience mentoring junior engineers or leading a team across a project lifecycleExperience working multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing across a teamExperience with GNC-related business development or conceptual design workDESIRED COMPETENCIESStrong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex system dynamics and propose effective solutionsExcellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and collaboration skillsSelf-motivated, with the ability to work independently and within a team-oriented environmentStrong initiative, ownership of work products, and commitment to continuous improvementAbility to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of dutiesAttention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlinesCompensation and BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid by the employer for employeesThree weeks of vacation to startAutomatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)Educational assistance and professional development opportunitiesIn-office (Jacksonville, AK or Los Angeles, CA ) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent)Level II: $98,059 - $132,668.Level III: $117,300 - $158,700Why OKSI?See your work fielded fast. Get hands-on with hardware and watch it deployed to customers within months, not years.Build next-generation defense technology. Our engineering work protects warfighters, reduces collateral damage, and safeguards civilians.Speed and Accuracy We move quickly, and you'll see your work through from concept to deployment — not just one slice of the pipeline; no process bottlenecks we move with speed and agility !Flexible schedule Working at OKSI provides you with a unique opportunity to see fruition of your work while still having a real work-life balance with our hybrid schedule options.Professional Growth . OKSI is expanding and growing, which means faster-than-typical opportunities to advance your career.We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.This employer participates in E-Verify.","datePosted":"2026-10-25T12:54:00.073Z","dateModified":"2026-10-25T12:54:00.073Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Optoknowledge Systems","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Industry","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"59e44effd82fbb0af384c836"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/59e44effd82fbb0af384c836"}}