Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) EngineerNorthern Virginia / Washington, DC AreaAn innovative space technology company developing next-generation space-based energy infrastructure is seeking a GNC Engineer to support spacecraft missions spanning LEO through GEO.This role will own Guidance, Navigation and Control subsystems across the full spacecraft lifecycle, from architecture and simulation through integration, launch, and on-orbit operations.The position offers the opportunity to work on advanced spacecraft systems involving flight dynamics, precision pointing, estimation, autonomy, and mission-critical control algorithms within a highly collaborative engineering environment.Key Responsibilities.Lead architecture, design, and analysis of spacecraft GNC/ADCS subsystems.Develop high-fidelity simulations and Monte Carlo environments for mission analysis and algorithm verification.Design and implement flight algorithms covering estimation, guidance, control, and momentum management.Perform mission-level flight dynamics analysis including orbit transfers, maneuver planning, and contingency operations.Support precision pointing, acquisition, and tracking system development.Define subsystem requirements, interfaces, and technical documentation.Support sensor and actuator selection, modeling, and performance analysis.Execute verification and validation activities including SIL/HIL testing and environmental testing.Support spacecraft integration, calibration, closed-loop testing, and on-orbit anomaly resolution.Required Experinece:5+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC, ADCS, flight dynamics, or closely related aerospace controls environments.Experience developing GNC algorithms using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C++, or similar tools.Background across multiple phases of spacecraft or aerospace system development including design, integration, testing, and operations.Strong understanding of dynamics, estimation, controls, and spacecraft systems.Desirable Experience:Spacecraft mission experience across LEO, GEO, cislunar, RPOD, or formation flying missions.Experience with EKF, UKF, sensor fusion, or factor graph estimation methods.Embedded flight software integration and real-time systems experience.Familiarity with MPC, nonlinear controls, or trajectory optimization.Experience integrating IMUs, star trackers, GNSS, or other navigation sensors.Why Join:Work on cutting-edge spacecraft and space infrastructure technology.Join a highly technical, mission-driven engineering team.Influence spacecraft architecture and mission capability from an early stage.