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Principal 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 for dynamic space operations. We develop foundational capabilities that enable sustained, responsive operations in space exploration and national security applications.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture and Investigation

  • Architect solutions for space mission objectives around space domain awareness and RPOD with emphasis on autonomy, hardware and software.
  • Evaluate and select appropriate techniques such as machine learning methods, physics-informed solutions, stochastic methods, and Kalman Filters.
  • Assist in proposal capture efforts with feasibility analysis and engage with private and public partners, Department of Defense, and other government agencies.

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 to support space domain awareness efforts.
  • Analyze and source datasets for training and validation of algorithm performance.
  • Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital and cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling and visualization.
  • Conduct six degree of freedom modeling, simulation and validation of spacecraft dynamics, sensors and algorithms for RPOD missions.

Implementation

  • Collaborate with software and GNC teams to implement algorithms in flight software.
  • Heavily support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation.
  • Design concepts of operations (CONOPS) that balance thermal, power, momentum and communications for spacecraft missions.
  • Provide mission operations training and support.

Required Qualifications

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

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design, testing, verification and validation and in-orbit mission operations.
  • Expertise in guidance, navigation or control.
  • Experience with multi-body astrodynamics.
  • Experience with Git, Linux and Basilisk.
  • Software development experience in C or C++.
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Requirements

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. ITAR compliance required: access to ITAR-controlled information is necessary; non-US persons must be authorized for ITAR access before employment commencement.

Compensation

Base salary range: $180,000 - $280,000 annually. Total rewards include stock options and equity, long-term incentives through Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, relocation bonus, discretionary bonuses, comprehensive medical, vision and dental coverage, 401(k), and unlimited Paid Time Off.