Recent Graduate - Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer Verified today

What You'll Do

• Contribute directly to the design, development, analysis, integration, test, and operation of spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control systems.
• Own well-scoped GNC problems from definition through modeling, algorithm development, simulation, test, documentation, and closure with support from senior engineers.
• Work hands-on with simulation environments, flight and test data, hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop tools, sensor and actuator interfaces, and mission-analysis outputs.
• Participate in design reviews, test campaigns, anomaly investigations, and mission-readiness activities; communicate GNC performance, risks, assumptions, and decisions clearly.
• Collaborate across software, avionics, mechanical, propulsion, systems, and mission operations to understand interfaces and system-level impacts on GNC performance.
• Build engineering judgment by comparing analytical models and simulations against test or operational data, identifying discrepancies, and iterating toward reliable flight performance.
• Document models, algorithms, assumptions, requirements, interfaces, Monte Carlo results, test results, procedures, and technical decisions so others can review and reproduce the work.
• Take increasing ownership as technical capability grows, progressing from supervised analysis and implementation tasks toward independent feature-, algorithm-, or subsystem-level responsibility.
• Support spacecraft mission execution by helping translate mission objectives and constraints into credible GNC analyses, algorithms, test plans, and operational recommendations.

What We're Looking For

Required

• Bachelor's degree completed, or expected before start date, in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, Robotics, or a closely related technical field.
• Strong academic or project-based grounding in rigid-body dynamics, controls, estimation, navigation, orbital mechanics, numerical methods, or related GNC fundamentals, with the ability to explain technical reasoning from first principles.
• Demonstrated hands-on GNC experience through internships, research, student spacecraft or robotics teams, capstone projects, personal projects, or laboratories.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for algorithm development, simulation scripting, or data analysis.
• Clear technical communication: ability to write clear documentation, explain reasoning, and discuss trade-offs with teammates and reviewers.

Preferred

• Familiarity with attitude representation (quaternions, Euler angles), attitude dynamics, attitude determination, or attitude control.
• Experience with translational dynamics, orbit determination, or orbit maintenance.
• Exposure to Monte Carlo analysis, sensitivity analysis, or statistical methods in engineering design.
• Hands-on experience with real hardware: lab instruments, embedded systems, flight electronics, or sensor/actuator interfaces.
• Experience with version control (Git), continuous integration, or modern software practices in engineering.
• Coursework or projects in flight software, real-time systems, or software-in-the-loop simulation.

About Katalyst

Katalyst is an American technology company focused on dynamic space operations. We are building a fleet of dual-use multipurpose robotic space vehicles to enable maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, resupply and exploration as routine operations in orbit. We develop foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, enabling a new era of space exploration that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Benefits

• Stock options and equity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Unlimited PTO
• Catered lunches

Location: Broomfield, Colorado