a16z
Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer
Los Angeles · Senior · Full-time
Sponsorship not specifiedDetected 39 days ago
PythonC++MATLABAlgorithmsAerospace EngineeringElectrical EngineeringControlsSimulinkCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingOrganizational SkillsActuators
About the role
- This role reports directly into the Director of GNC, HITL & Mission Ops.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement GNC algorithms for satellite systems, including attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing.
- Conduct analysis of spacecraft dynamics and perform simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracy.
- Design, develop, and test spacecraft control systems, including reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetic torquers, to achieve desired mission objectives.
- Collaborate with spacecraft and payload engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC system compatibility and integration.
- Perform trade studies and make recommendations for optimal GNC configurations, considering factors such as power consumption, mass, and cost.
- Develop and execute test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing, performance evaluation, and anomaly resolution.
- Collaborate with software engineers to develop GNC software modules and interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with overall satellite systems.
- Provide technical expertise and support to cross-functional teams, including project managers, system engineers, and operations personnel.
- Develop GNC algorithm and subsystem tests and validation criteria for functional and performance verification.
- Let's build something extraordinary together.
Requirements
- U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 8+ years of professional experience as a GNC Engineer, preferably in the satellite or aerospace industry.
- Strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C/C++, MATLAB, Python with experience in numerical simulation and analysis.
- Familiarity with GNC hardware and software components, such as sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers), actuators, and control algorithms.
- Experience with simulation tools and software packages commonly used in spacecraft GNC engineering (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex system dynamics and propose effective solutions.
Skills
- Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self
- World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life
Compensation
- Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
Benefits
- Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create
- Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost
- Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays
- 8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel
Company info
- Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry.
- As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.
- For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses.
- These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.
- Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing.
- ranging from earth observation to communications and more.
- We'd love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.
Equal opportunity
- Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
- Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
- Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance.
Visa & Work Authorization
- U.S. Person status is required as this position needs to access export controlled data
This listing is sourced directly from a16z's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.