AstroTalentSpace Jobs

Sr. Navigation Engineer (8-12 yrs) Verified today

Advanced Space · Westminster, CO · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
Apply at Advanced Space →

About the Role

Advanced Space is seeking a Senior Navigation Engineer to lead the development of advanced spacecraft navigation solutions for ambitious lunar and deep-space missions. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You will own navigation strategies across the full mission lifecycle - from early mission formulation through flight operations - while mentoring engineers, solving complex astrodynamics challenges, and shaping the future of space exploration.

You will work in a technically demanding environment, tackling problems that haven't been solved before, and delivering real missions alongside a team focused on execution rather than concepts.

What You'll Do

  • Lead spacecraft navigation from concept through operations. Own navigation strategy across every phase of the mission, including formulation, tracking architecture, orbit determination, estimation approaches, maneuver support, and on-orbit operations. Ensure navigation solutions perform when it matters most.
  • Build next-generation navigation solutions. Develop and validate advanced Kalman filter configurations for challenging mission environments including multi-body dynamics, low-thrust trajectories, weak observability, and deep-space operations. Architect solutions that integrate mission design, GNC, communications, and ground systems into a cohesive navigation approach.
  • Own mission-critical flight operations. Serve as the primary navigation lead during mission preparation and flight operations. Support console activities, perform real-time orbit determination, respond to anomalies, and provide technical leadership during critical mission events.
  • Drive technical excellence. Lead navigation analyses for major design reviews, communicate technical trades and mission risks, improve internal tools and operational processes, and establish best practices that strengthen navigation capabilities across the company.
  • Grow the team and shape the future. Mentor junior engineers, review technical work, and contribute to proposal efforts and internal research initiatives that define the next generation of navigation technologies and missions.

Who Thrives Here

  • You have 8-12 years of experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, flight dynamics, or a closely related discipline.
  • You have led complex navigation efforts and are comfortable owning technical decisions from concept through flight.
  • You have deep experience designing, tuning, and validating advanced Kalman filters across a variety of mission environments.
  • You are experienced with industry-standard astrodynamics and navigation tools such as MONTE, FreeFlyer, ODTK, GMAT, or STK.
  • You solve difficult technical problems and aren't intimidated by missions that push beyond traditional approaches.
  • You communicate complex technical concepts clearly, whether presenting to customers, leading design reviews, or mentoring teammates.
  • You collaborate across engineering disciplines and understand how navigation connects with mission design, GNC, communications, and flight operations.
  • You take ownership. When you see a challenge, you work with the team to solve it.

Bonus Experience

  • Cislunar or deep-space navigation
  • Multiple measurement types (radiometric, GPS, optical, angles-only)
  • MONTE astrodynamics toolkit
  • Multi-spacecraft missions
  • Navigation support for maneuver planning and execution
  • Navigation verification, CONOPS, or ICD development
  • Proposal leadership or IRAD development
  • An active or previous TS/SCI clearance
  • A Master's or Ph.D. focused on astrodynamics, state estimation, or Kalman filtering

Success is Measured By

  • Delivering accurate, reliable navigation solutions across every mission phase.
  • Successfully leading navigation efforts for flight operations and mission execution.
  • Building robust estimation architectures for challenging mission environments.
  • Improving navigation tools, processes, and operational efficiency.

Employment Details

Full-time, Hybrid, based in Westminster, Colorado with out-of-state remote options available.

This position is open to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) only. Visa sponsorship is not available.

An active TS/SCI clearance is preferred but not required.

About Advanced Space

Advanced Space enables sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative software, mission services, and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASA's CAPSTONE mission and Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, Advanced Space shapes the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial, civil, and national security customers.