Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC), Controls Engineer Verified today
About the role
Axiom Space is building the world's first commercial space station. We need a GNC Engineer to design control systems for our orbital modules across the full program lifecycle. You will work in a fast-paced environment across multi-disciplinary teams, applying system-level thinking to implement robust GNC solutions.
What you will do
- 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)
- Evaluate and integrate spacecraft control effectors (thrusters, reaction wheels, CMGs)
- Perform 6-DOF modeling, simulation, and performance analysis 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
- Use MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++ to develop simulations
- Translate GNC algorithms into flight-ready software with numerical stability and real-time performance
- Collaborate with embedded software teams on hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) integration and testing
- Support development of requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans
- Plan and execute verification and validation activities including unit tests, SIL/HIL testing, and integrated system tests
- Analyze flight test and mission data to assess GNC performance and identify improvements
- Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for anomalies during testing or operations
- Work with hardware teams to define performance requirements and ensure GNC compatibility
- 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 engineering forums
- Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, safety requirements, and certification processes
- Communicate project progress, status, and issues to stakeholders and leadership
- Implement and maintain agile project management methodologies
Your background
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline
- 2-4 years of experience developing attitude control systems on flight vehicles (spacecraft preferred)
- Experience in at least one of: control law development and stability analysis, momentum exchange actuators (Reaction Wheels, CMGs), control systems for flexible-mode or articulating vehicles, optimization techniques (least squares, linear/quadratic programming), SWIL and HWIL testing, actuator testing and characterization
- Experience with 6-DOF Monte Carlo simulations; NASA Trick simulation framework and JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD) preferred
- Proficient with C++, MATLAB, and/or Python
- Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- Proven ability to deliver high-quality results under tight deadlines
What we value
- Passion for space and mission
- Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
- Perseverance and resourcefulness
- Precision execution with pace
- High emotional intelligence and cross-functional collaboration
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Accountability, extreme ownership, and sense of urgency
Requirements
- Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency required
- Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones
Work environment
Onsite at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF) in Houston. Generally office-based but may involve inside or outside work depending on task. Work involves sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time). Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.).