Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer

Who We're Looking For 

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly. 

We are seeking a Principal Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to serve as the technical authority for the GNC subsystem across multiple spacecraft programs, leading architecture, design, procurement, integration, and verification. 

Where You'll Make an Impact 

• Own the end-to-end GNC/ACS architecture from concept development through flight operations. 
• Own GNC subsystem level requirements. 
• Lead spacecraft attitude and control system design, including actuator sizing, sensor selection, control authority, and momentum management strategy. 
• Define and implement control laws for high-ΔV maneuvering, precision pointing, station-keeping, and proximity operations. 
• Architect state estimation frameworks (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion pipelines, covariance management) for robust on-orbit performance. 
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity 6DOF spacecraft simulation environments for analysis, trade studies, verification, and anomaly resolution. 
• Establish GNC verification and validation strategy across analysis, SIL/HIL, hardware integration, and flight test. 
• Support propulsion-coupled dynamics modeling, including thrust misalignment, slosh effects, and flexible-body considerations as needed. 
• Lead GNC participation in system-level reviews (MCR, SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR) and serve as the primary technical voice for the discipline. 
• Analyze flight telemetry and test data to assess performance, diagnose anomalies, and drive configuration or algorithm updates. 
• Define safe-mode, fault management, and degraded control strategies in partnership with FSW and systems engineering. 
• Mentor and manage GNC engineers, establishing best practices, code standards, simulation frameworks, and technical rigor across the team. 
• Support early-orbit operations and critical mission phases as required. 

What It Takes 

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field. 
• 15+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC/ACS development, including full lifecycle flight programs. 
• Demonstrated ownership of a spacecraft attitude and/or orbit control system through design, integration, and flight.