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Principal GNC Engineer Verified today

True Anomaly · Denver, CO · Long Beach, CA · Space Systems · first seen 2026-07-16
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About the role

True Anomaly builds autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors to deliver space superiority capabilities for the U.S. and its Allies.

As Principal GNC Engineer, you will own end-to-end development of spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems across architecture definition, algorithm design, software implementation, hardware integration, verification, and flight operations.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end development of spacecraft GNC systems, including architecture definition, algorithm design, software implementation, hardware integration, verification, and flight operations
  • Design, test, and validate GNC flight software for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and cislunar environments
  • Develop advanced attitude and orbit determination algorithms, including sensor fusion, state estimation, covariance analysis, and Kalman filtering (EKF/UKF/batch)
  • Design control laws for attitude control, orbit control, maneuver execution, and closed-loop guidance, ensuring required performance and robustness under uncertainties
  • Lead creation and improvement of high-fidelity 6-DOF simulations, sensor/actuator models, disturbance environments, Monte Carlo pipelines, and SIL/HIL integration
  • Conduct system-level GNC trade studies and develop recommendations for hardware such as reaction wheels, torque rods, thrusters, star trackers, IMUs, GNSS units, and optical navigation sensors
  • Define GNC subsystem requirements, interfaces, calibration procedures, verification/validation plans, and support design reviews (SRR/PDR/CDR)
  • Work cross-functionally with avionics, software, propulsion, mechanisms, mission operations, and systems engineering teams
  • Support on-orbit commissioning, calibration, maneuver planning, fault investigation, and anomaly resolution
  • Mentor junior engineers, lead design and code reviews, and establish GNC best practices and development standards

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related discipline (advanced degree preferred)
  • 15+ years of hands-on experience developing and fielding spacecraft GNC systems
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and Python, including software development, numerical methods, and algorithm implementation
  • Deep understanding of spacecraft attitude dynamics, orbital mechanics, environmental perturbations, and actuator/sensor physics
  • Significant experience with estimation and filtering (EKF, UKF, batch least squares), sensor fusion, covariance analysis, and navigation performance assessment
  • Experience designing control laws and performing stability, robustness, and frequency-domain analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain complex high-fidelity simulations and Monte Carlo frameworks
  • Experience testing and integrating GNC algorithms with flight hardware, including star trackers, IMUs, reaction wheels, GNC avionics, and propulsion components
  • Experience defining subsystem requirements, verification plans, and participating in formal design reviews
  • Ability to lead cross-disciplinary technical efforts and deliver results with minimal direction
  • Strong communication skills and ability to mentor less experienced engineers
  • U.S. Citizen

Benefits

  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays, parental leave, and sick leave
  • Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
  • 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement
  • Equity participation as part of total compensation package

Benefits do not apply to fixed-term and temporary roles.