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Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer Verified today

Katalyst Space · Broomfield, CO · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-25
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About Katalyst

Katalyst is building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to enable maneuvering, refueling, resupply and exploration in orbit. We develop foundational capabilities for sustained, responsive space operations that strengthen national security.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture and Investigation

  • Architect GNC solutions for space domain awareness and rendezvous/proximity operations (RPOD) with emphasis on autonomy
  • Evaluate and select techniques such as machine learning, Kalman Filters, physics-informed and stochastic methods
  • Support proposal capture with feasibility analysis and engage with Department of Defense, government agencies and commercial partners

Architecture Design

  • Develop architecture, lead trade studies and lead GNC team from conceptualization to flight for RPOD missions
  • Design algorithms, simulations and tools for orbit determination, state estimation and uncertainty propagation
  • Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital/cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling and visualization
  • Perform six degree of freedom modeling, simulation and validation of spacecraft dynamics, sensors and algorithms
  • Analyze and source datasets for algorithm training and validation

Implementation

  • Collaborate with software and GNC teams to implement algorithms in flight software
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation
  • Design concepts of operations balancing thermal, power, momentum and communications
  • Provide mission operations training and support

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline
  • 0-3 years of experience in guidance, navigation and control
  • Software development experience in Python
  • Experience developing, debugging and deploying GNC sensors, effectors and algorithms in real world applications
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven startup atmosphere
  • Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion

Desired Qualifications

  • Cradle-to-grave spacecraft design, testing, verification/validation and in-orbit mission operations experience
  • Expertise in guidance, navigation or control
  • Multi-body astrodynamics experience
  • Git, Linux and Basilisk experience
  • Software development experience in C/C++
  • Ability to identify and solve complex problems with minimal supervision
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Additional Information

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

This role requires access to ITAR-controlled information. Katalyst must ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before employment commencement.

Compensation: $90,000-$150,000 annually, determined based on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. Eligible for employee stock options, equity plan participation, relocation bonus and discretionary bonuses. Comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage. Unlimited paid time off.