Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.We'd love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.About the RoleThe Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer is responsible for leading GNC development for Apex's growing fleet of spacecraft platforms. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T. You will be responsible for planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Control Software organization in executing leading edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.Responsibilities:Lead architect responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, and RPODDesign of flight software, algorithms, and simulation productDevelopment of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation managementGNC component selection and GNC subsystem designTest process development and executionDefine fault detection and responseHardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulationIntegration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations toolsSupport internal and external design reviewsWork with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical statusRequirements:Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, advanced degrees preferred15+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS5+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellitesPrior experience leading a team of three or more direct reportsPrior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectorsExperience in Jira planning and workflowHands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardwareExperience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor dataDemonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight softwareDemonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolutionPrior experience leading a team across a project lifecyclePrior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a teamExperience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work #LI-HC1 Why Join Apex?Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup backed by $200M in Series D funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.What We Offer For Full-time Employees:Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you createBest-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no costComprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidaysCompetitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travelDaily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the dayVibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your familyYour dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive selfWorld-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and lifeReal impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting differenceReady to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.Equal Opportunity Employer