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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. Our mission is to make maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration routine in orbit and cislunar space, strengthening national security and enabling sustained, responsive operations.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture and Investigation

  • Architect solutions for space domain awareness and RPOD (rendezvous, proximity operations, docking) with emphasis on autonomy in hardware and software.
  • Evaluate and select appropriate techniques: machine learning, physics-informed solutions, stochastic methods, Kalman Filters, etc.
  • Support proposal capture with feasibility analysis and engage with DoD, government agencies, and commercial partners.

Architecture Design

  • Develop GNC architecture, lead trade studies and manage GNC team from concept to flight for RPOD missions.
  • Design algorithms, simulations and tools for orbit determination, state estimation, and uncertainty propagation for space domain awareness.
  • Analyze and source datasets for algorithm training and validation.
  • Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital and cislunar dynamics, sensor modeling, and visualization.
  • Perform 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.
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation.
  • Design concepts of operations balancing thermal, power, momentum and communications constraints.
  • Provide mission operations training and support.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a technical engineering discipline.
  • 5+ 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 and projects.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven start-up environment.
  • Proven ability to lead projects 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.
  • Experience with Git, Linux and Basilisk.
  • Software development experience in C/C++.
  • Ability to identify and solve complex problems with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Employment Terms

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

Compensation

Base salary range: $180,000 to $280,000 annually, determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. Additional benefits include eligibility for employee stock options and equity, relocation bonus, discretionary bonuses, comprehensive medical/vision/dental coverage, and unlimited paid time off.

ITAR Requirement

This role requires access to ITAR-controlled information under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130). Non-US persons must be authorized for ITAR access before employment commencement.