GNC Generalist
About The Position
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and autonomy in cislunar and geostationary space. Our Ranger spacecraft deliver high delta-V and on-orbit maneuverability that enable customers to access, operate, and persist in orbits previously out of reach. We’re building the infrastructure, vehicles, and operational expertise that connect and protect assets across the Earth–Moon system. We are seeking a Spacecraft GNC Generalist to support the development, integration, and testing of guidance, navigation, and control algorithms and software for our next-generation spacecraft. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role for an engineer who thrives owning problems end-to-end—modeling, simulation, analysis, sensor/actuator integration, and on-orbit performance evaluation. You will work closely with mission design, flight software, avionics, dynamics & controls, and mission operations teams to implement robust, reliable, and high-performance GNC capabilities that support both autonomous and operator-driven missions.
Requirements
- S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
- 3–8+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability GNC development.
- Strong foundation in rigid-body dynamics, orbital mechanics, and classical/modern control theory.
- Experience implementing estimation and control algorithms in C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
- Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS, ranging sensors).
- Familiarity with flight software integration, SIL/HIL testing, and simulation pipelines.
- Ability to analyze telemetry, validate performance, and debug GNC-related anomalies.
- Systems-level awareness across avionics, software, and dynamics.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with RPO, proximity operations, autonomous maneuver planning, or high-ΔV vehicle dynamics.
- Familiarity with MAX FSW and MAX GDS or other modern COTS flight software environments.
- Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and large-scale mission simulation.
- Experience with EKF variants, covariance analysis, or nonlinear control approaches.
- Background with thruster-based ACS, high-agility control architectures, or propulsion-coupled dynamics.
- Experience analyzing 6DOF models incorporating propellant slosh and flexible-body dynamics.
- Hands-on experience with testbeds, HITL environments, or closed-loop simulation frameworks.
- Experience with fault management logic, safing modes, and on-orbit anomaly investigation.
- Prior experience working in fast-paced startups or NewSpace organizations.
Responsibilities
- Develop high-fidelity spacecraft dynamics and GNC simulation environments to support analysis, verification, and mission design.
- Implement and tune control laws for attitude control, momentum management, orbit maneuvering, RPO, and station-keeping.
- Perform state estimation design and analysis (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion, GPS/IMU, star tracker & sun sensor pipelines).
- Support integration of GNC algorithms into flight software, including validation through unit test, SIL/HIL, and full-vehicle simulation.
- Collaborate with avionics and sensor teams to define GNC-related ICDs, data flows, timing, and performance budgets.
- Analyze both on-orbit and testbed telemetry to evaluate GNC performance and inform updates to algorithms and configuration.
- Develop tools that improve autonomous maneuver planning, control margin analysis, and attitude/orbit estimation accuracy.
- Support safe-mode and fault management logic development in partnership with FSW and systems engineering.
- Work with the systems team to specify hardware components based on system requirements, and coordinate with vendors to acquire hardware that meet program cost and schedule targets.
- Develop and execute GNC hardware acceptance and performance test plans and procedures.
- Participate in MCR/PDR/CDR, test readiness reviews, and support operations during early-orbit commissioning when needed.
- Contribute to rapid iteration cycles that refine autonomy and maneuverability across successive spacecraft builds.
Benefits
- Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
