Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer

Join Our Mission to Revolutionize Space Logistics!

Explore every ocean in the solar system, collect and store the fluid, and sustain life in space.

At Space Ocean we’re a cutting-edge space startup on a mission to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation to supply resources for humanity’s expansion into space, targeting near-Earth orbit by 2027 and beyond, including Mars.

As we prepare to launch groundbreaking projects, we’re seeking a GNC Engineer to lead technical excellence and drive the development of next-generation for satellite-based fluid transport missions.

Role Overview
We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to design and develop advanced GNC algorithms for satellite-based water transport missions. This role focuses on trajectory planning, autonomous navigation, and attitude control for spacecraft operating in Earth's orbit and beyond. The ideal candidate has expertise in orbital mechanics, control system design, and sensor fusion to ensure precise maneuvering and stability in space. This position reports directly to their project technical lead.

Key Responsibilities

1. Guidance &Trajectory Planning
2. Develop optimal trajectory and maneuver planning algorithms for satellite positioning, docking, and water transport operations.
3. Implement autonomous guidance laws using numerical optimization, Kalman filtering, and AI-driven predictive models.

4. Perform onboard real-time trajectory correction in response to environmental disturbances and mission updates.

5. Navigation & Sensor Fusion

6. Design state estimation algorithms integrating GPS, IMU, star trackers, and LiDAR/radar sensors.

7. Develop Kalman filters (EKF, UKF, or particle filters) for precise position and velocity estimation.

8. Ensure robust navigation in deep space or GNSS-denied environments using celestial and vision-based navigation techniques.

9. Attitude Determination & Control (ADCS)

10. Design and implement attitude control algorithms (PID, LQR, model predictive control - MPC) for spacecraft stability.

11. Work with reaction wheels, control moment gyroscopes (CMGs), thrusters, and magnetorquers for attitude adjustments.

12. Develop fault-tolerant control architectures to maintain mission safety and redundancy.

13. Simulation & Testing

14. Develop and validate high-fidelity simulation models of satellite dynamics, environmental effects, and actuator response.

15. Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing for GNC verification.

16. Perform Monte Carlo simulations to assess guidance and control robustness under uncertain conditions.

17. Software & Embedded Systems Integration

18. Implement real-time GNC algorithms on spaceflight processors (FPGA, ARM, DSPs, or radiation-hardened chips).

19. Optimize GNC software for low-latency execution within real-time operating systems (RTOS, VxWorks, Linux).

20. Ensure compliance with space industry standards (NASA, ESA, or MIL-STD) for software reliability.

What We’re Looking For - Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Control Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 3+ years in GNC, spacecraft dynamics, or aerospace control systems.
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in C++, Python, MATLAB/Simulink for GNC algorithm development.
• Control Theory: Strong foundation in classical, modern, and adaptive control techniques.
• Orbital Mechanics & Navigation: Experience with orbital propagation models, state estimation, and sensor fusion techniques.

Nice-to-Have - Preferred Qualifications
Experience with satellite rendezvous, docking, and station-keeping.
Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and flight software verification.
Knowledge of deep space navigation techniques, including star trackers and vision-based sensors.

Why Join Us?
Equity stake in a high-growth startup.
Remote-friendly with flexible hours.
Cutting-edge tech: Work with advanced tools and platforms
Impact: Directly contribute to missions that redefine space sustainability.

Compensation:
Fractional ownership opportunity throughout the start-up phase. Transition to 1099 upon investor funding and contractual award.

Additional Information:
Candidates must be willing to undergo a background check and comply with US space regulations and security protocols.