GNC Engineer

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Salary: $110,000 - $200,000 per annum + equity + benefits

Alexander Associates are partnering with an innovative space technology company developing next-generation spacecraft platforms and orbital infrastructure. We are seeking a talented Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to join a highly skilled engineering team working on advanced spacecraft guidance, control, and simulation technologies.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge space systems, supporting both flight software and simulation environments while helping shape the future of large-scale spacecraft operations.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and validate advanced Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) architectures for spacecraft systems and mechanisms
Design and implement innovative control algorithms for precise pointing and manoeuvring of large, flexible spacecraft structures
Develop navigation, estimation, and control solutions to maximise vehicle performance in both nominal and off-nominal operating conditions
Execute trade studies to evaluate and optimise spacecraft control and navigation strategies
Support the verification and validation of GNC flight software using simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL), and hardware-out-of-the-loop (HOOTL) testing environments
Develop and maintain high-fidelity 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6-DOF) spacecraft simulations
Analyse mission performance and use operational data to improve future spacecraft capabilities
Contribute directly to flight software development and simulation infrastructure
Support spacecraft launch campaigns and on-orbit mission operations
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to define and deliver next-generation spacecraft capabilities
Assist with mentoring and supporting the growth of the wider GNC engineering team
Essential Requirements

Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline
Experience developing Guidance, Navigation & Control systems for aerospace, spacecraft, satellite, or autonomous vehicle applications
Experience with actuator and sensor sizing, selection, and system design
Experience implementing control and/or estimation algorithms
Experience validating GNC software using simulation and integrated test environments
Experience with 6-DOF simulation, modelling, and system performance analysis
Proficiency in one or more of the following:

Python
MATLAB
C/C++
Julia

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a systems engineering mindset
Desirable Experience

Spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS)
Extended Kalman Filters (EKF) and navigation algorithms
Reaction wheels, control moment gyroscopes, motors, or thruster control systems
Control algorithm development and optimisation
Mission design, trajectory analysis, and orbital mechanics
Early-stage spacecraft or vehicle concept development
Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) and hardware-out-of-the-loop (HOOTL) testing
Flight software development for space applications
Experience supporting launch and on-orbit operations
What's on Offer

Equity participation opportunities
Comprehensive healthcare, dental, and vision coverage
Paid holiday allowance and parental leave
Life insurance and additional employee benefits
Opportunity to work on pioneering spacecraft and space infrastructure programmes
Exposure to mission-critical flight software, simulation, and on-orbit operations
Career progression within a rapidly growing space technology organisation
This is an exceptional opportunity for a GNC Engineer looking to contribute to groundbreaking spacecraft programmes and help shape the future of space exploration and infrastructure
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed