Senior Gnc Engineer

About Astro Digital

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado with 100+ employees and infrastructure around the globe.

Position Summary

We're looking for an experienced Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to take ownership of the analysis that makes our spacecraft fly. You'll drive high-fidelity simulation, performance evaluation, and system-level analysis of GNC systems—and roll up your sleeves to shape flight software in C++.

From large deployable structures and laser communications to high-precision astrophysics observations, in-space robotics, constellations, and rendezvous & proximity operations, you'll get your hands on the full spectrum of cutting-edge spacecraft missions.

Your analysis will directly steer Systems Engineering on mission design and CONOPS, along with the actuator and sensor performance requirements that define what's possible. Proficiency in C++ and Python is essential—you'll help build and maintain the modeling, simulation, and analysis tool stack that we use to design these missions.

This is a remote-friendly role, open to US-based candidates.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Build high-fidelity models and simulations of spacecraft GNC systems and prove them out across every mission phase
• Conduct Monte Carlo analyses, covariance studies, and performance assessments to validate GNC algorithms before they fly
• Create and evolve the simulation and analysis tools we use to design missions and flight software components that implement them
• Analyze sensor and actuator performance, including propulsion subsystems, star trackers, IMUs, reaction wheels, and GNSS
• Write and refine C++ flight software GNC components and flight software configuration
• Support verification and validation of flight software through unit testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations
• Collaborate with systems engineering, mission design, and flight software teams to ensure GNC performance meets mission requirements
• Document analysis results, software interfaces, and validation procedures

Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. person status required (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) to comply with ITAR/EAR export-control regulations
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in spacecraft GNC analysis and simulation
• Strong understanding of spacecraft dynamics, control systems, and estimation techniques (e.g., Kalman filtering)
• Proficiency in C++ and python
• Experience developing Monte Carlo simulations and numerical analysis tools
• Excellent analytical, communication, and technical documentation skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
• Strong controls foundation through advanced coursework, research, or control law design
• Hands-on work with commercial flight software frameworks (e.g., GNC-capable satellite flight software stacks)
• On-orbit operations experience, including early-orbit commissioning and anomaly response
• Track record of developing flight software for space missions
• Familiarity with spacecraft polarity/phasing and other GNC-related testing
• Direct exposure with rendezvous & proximity operations (RPO)
• Experience creating analysis frameworks and models from scratch, not just operating existing tools
• Proven ability to communicate and coordinate independently across systems engineering, flight software, and mission design teams
• Familiarity with Linux development environments and version control systems (e.g., Git)

Pay Transparency

Astro Digital employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits package that includes company stock options, healthcare, 401k retirement plan, and PTO. The range of possible compensation for this role is $150k-$190k annually, depending on candidate experience, alignment, and location.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 Lbs. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching may be required.

Export Statement

This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.