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Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer Verified today

Apex Spacecraft · Los Angeles, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About the Role

The Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer leads GNC development for Apex's growing fleet of spacecraft platforms. You will work across the full engineering lifecycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration and test, and vehicle integration and test. You will plan and maintain development schedules, work closely with Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations and Ground Software teams, and directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities

  • Lead architect for GNC design, modeling and analysis for LEO, MEO, GEO and RPOD spacecraft and space missions
  • Design flight software, algorithms and simulation products
  • Develop spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
  • Select GNC components and design GNC subsystems
  • Develop and execute test processes
  • Define fault detection and response
  • Conduct hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
  • Integrate flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test and operations tools
  • Support internal and external design reviews
  • Plan and maintain team schedule, milestones and technical status reporting with department leads and program managers

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field (advanced degrees preferred)
  • 15+ years industry experience in GNC/ADCS
  • 5+ years industry experience developing or operating spacecraft/satellites
  • Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports
  • Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle
  • Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in commercial or government sectors
  • Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining team priorities
  • Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes and other GNC hardware
  • Experience developing blended attitude solutions from variety of sensor data
  • Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and verifying flight software
  • Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
  • Experience with GNC-related business development or conceptual design work
  • Experience in Jira planning and workflow

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible, applicants must either qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident, refugee or individual granted asylum) or be able to obtain required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce or applicable U.S. government agency.

What We Offer

  • Equity in Apex
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental and vision for you and dependents, plus $100k life insurance
  • 15 days vacation growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
  • 401(k) plan with 100% match on first 3% and 50% match on next 2%
  • 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks
  • Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club and family gatherings
  • Complete desk setup and tools
  • Playa Vista office with in-person collaboration and work-life flexibility
  • Long-term incentives in form of stock options