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Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC), Controls Engineer Verified today

Axiom Space · Houston, TX · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station, Axiom Station. The company is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior GNC Engineer to design and implement control systems for Axiom Station's modules. You will work in a fast-paced environment across the full program lifecycle, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams and applying system-level understanding to your designs. You will be based onsite at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF) in Houston.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, analyze, and implement GNC algorithms for aerospace vehicles.
  • Develop and refine control laws using classical and modern control techniques (PID, LQR, MPC, adaptive control, etc.).
  • Evaluate and integrate spacecraft control effectors (e.g. thrusters, reaction wheels, CMGs).
  • Perform 6-DOF modeling, simulation, and performance analysis to evaluate system behavior under nominal and off-nominal conditions.
  • Build high-fidelity dynamic models of vehicles, sensors, actuators, and environmental disturbances.
  • Conduct Monte Carlo analyses, sensitivity studies, and stability assessments to validate robustness and reliability.
  • Use MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or similar environments to develop simulations.
  • Translate GNC algorithms into flight-ready software, ensuring numerical stability, computational efficiency, and real-time performance.
  • Collaborate with embedded software teams to integrate, test, and verify GNC functionality on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems.
  • Support development of requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans for flight software.
  • Plan and execute verification and validation activities, including unit tests, SIL/HIL testing, and integrated system tests.
  • Analyze flight test or mission data to assess GNC performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for anomalies observed during testing or operations.
  • Work with hardware teams to define performance requirements and ensure compatibility with GNC architecture.
  • Contribute to system-level design reviews, requirements development, and architecture decisions.
  • Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and mission operations teams.
  • Provide technical leadership on sub-projects, mentor junior engineers, and support design trade studies.
  • Prepare technical reports, design documentation, test plans, and analysis summaries.
  • Present findings at design reviews, customer meetings, and cross-disciplinary engineering forums.
  • Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, safety requirements, and certification processes.
  • Communicate project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
  • Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or other related technical degree.
  • 4-9 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Development of attitude control systems on flight vehicles (spacecraft preferred) with experience in at least one of the following areas: control law development and stability analysis; momentum exchange actuators including reaction wheels and CMGs; control systems for vehicles with flexible modes and articulating components; optimization techniques such as least squares, linear/quadratic programming; SWIL and HWIL testing and integration; or actuator testing, characterization, and model development.
  • Proficient with C++, MATLAB, and/or Python coding languages.
  • Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
  • Proven ability to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience developing 6-DOF Monte Carlo simulations, with experience with NASA's Trick simulation framework and JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD).

Work Environment

Generally an office environment, though may involve inside or outside work depending on the task. Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs (5% of the time). Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Requirements

  • Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is required.