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. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: 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. 

About the Role

We are seeking a Spacecraft GNC Engineer (Early) to work on a closely integrated team who will drive the design of the GNC system, including hardware and software, to meet the position, attitude, knowledge and stability requirements of our bus. You will have an opportunity to approach this from a clean sheet design and inform coupled trades across the vehicle architecture. You will be innovative in your approach to push the limits of design and performance, while disrupting and making an impact on the industry. This role reports directly into the Director of Spacecraft.

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.

• Analyze and interpret spacecraft telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related anomalies and performance issues.

• Collaborate with software engineers to develop GNC software modules and interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with overall satellite systems.