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Principal GNC Engineer Verified today

Lux Aeterna · Denver, CO · Space Systems · first seen 2026-10-20
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The Mission

Lux Aeterna is building the first fully reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, transforming space from a one-way journey into a two-way highway for orbital logistics and commerce.

The Role

You will own guidance, navigation, and control for Lux Aeterna's reusable satellite platform, from attitude determination and pointing on orbit through deorbit burn, controlled reentry, and recovery. You will set GNC architecture, own simulation and FDIR that prove it, and fly it.

Responsibilities:

  • Own GNC for all mission phases: orbit, deorbit targeting, reentry, and descent
  • Lead simulation development, including high-fidelity 6-DOF dynamics and Monte Carlo environments
  • Own Fault Detection, Isolation and Response (FDIR) architecture; guide subsystem engineers in authoring FDIR algorithms for autonomous anomaly handling
  • Develop real-time estimation techniques including sensor fusion and extended Kalman filtering
  • Build, test, and deploy flight control software for trajectory and pointing operations, validated in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) environments
  • Own deorbit targeting and reentry guidance, including landing footprint and dispersion analysis with aerothermal and mission operations teams
  • Support GNC system design, component selection, architecture, and trade studies
  • Lead flight planning, concept of operations, and mission execution strategies; serve as GNC lead on console for flight
  • Reduce ground test data and flight telemetry to refine models and flight software between flights
  • Assist in hands-on testing, subassembly integration, and flight validation of spacecraft
  • Serve as technical lead for GNC engineers: set standards, review designs, mentor, and collaborate cross-functionally with software, avionics, propulsion, and mechanical teams
  • Architect mission planning and concept of operations for orbital and reentry operations

Required Qualifications

  • BS in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, Physics, or related technical field
  • 10+ years of experience in GNC for spacecraft or advanced robotics applications, including hands-on work on a flight-proven GNC subsystem
  • Proficiency with estimation algorithms including Kalman filters and batch processing techniques
  • Experience designing and validating control and guidance algorithms for space systems
  • Strong background in simulation environments, including 6-DOF Monte Carlo modeling
  • Prior work in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test environments, integrating GNC software with flight sensors and actuators
  • Programming proficiency in Python (NumPy, SciPy) and C++, and version control (Git), with production C++ in a continuous integration environment
  • Passion for hands-on engineering and rapid hardware and software integration

Desired Experience

  • MS in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, Physics, or related technical field
  • Knowledge of orbit determination and trajectory optimization methods
  • Reentry or hypersonic vehicle GNC, aerodynamic control effector modeling, or multi-body dynamics modeling
  • Rocket Lab MAX Flight Software or comparable modular flight software frameworks
  • Familiarity with spacecraft propulsion systems and orbital mechanics for LEO missions
  • Experience with robotic manipulators or autonomous vehicle navigation
  • Experience with embedded systems and implementing flight software on real-time hardware, including Rust for flight or embedded software
  • Exposure to dual-use commercial and government satellite programs

Location and Work Environment

Denver, CO. Onsite 5 days per week by default, flexible when needed. Travel required to vendor sites, partner facilities, test facilities, launch site, and recovery zone in run-up to and during flight.

Compensation

Base salary range: $175,000 to $250,000 per year. Actual compensation determined by experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities. Eligible for equity compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and 401(k) retirement plan.