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Senior 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, strengthening national security and freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

The Role

You will architect and lead GNC solutions for space domain awareness and RPOD (Relative Pose Determination) missions, working from conceptualization through flight operations. This is a hands-on position where you own the technical strategy, drive trade studies, and collaborate across software and hardware teams to deliver operational systems.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture and Investigation

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

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 for space domain awareness.
  • Analyze and source datasets for algorithm training and validation.
  • 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.

Implementation

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

Required Qualifications

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

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design, testing, verification/validation, and in-orbit mission operations.
  • Deep expertise in guidance, navigation, or control disciplines.
  • Experience with multi-body astrodynamics.
  • Experience with Git, Linux, and Basilisk.
  • Software development experience in C/C++.
  • Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Base salary: $140,000-$240,000 annually (determined case-by-case based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience).
  • Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan.
  • Relocation bonus and discretionary bonuses.
  • Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off.
  • 401(k).
  • Catered lunches.

Additional Information

You must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. This role requires access to ITAR-controlled information. Non-US persons must be authorized for ITAR access before employment commencement.