Senior GNC Controls Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and test closed-loop control algorithms for precise satellite pointing, station-keeping, detumble, and desaturation maneuvers
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity satellite simulations to validate GNC algorithms prior to flight
• Validate algorithm performance through software simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, hardware-in-the-loop, and on-orbit testing
• Perform stability analysis in time and frequency domains, including gain tuning and notch filter design for structural flex modes
• Support system identification using in-orbit telemetry to refine onboard models
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and develop operational procedures for mission planning
• Support GNC operations for the satellite fleet, including on-console and on-call rotations

Requirements

• B.S. or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering (or a related technical discipline)
• 5+ years of industry experience in GNC, controls, or a closely adjacent discipline
• Strong fundamentals in classical and modern control theory (Bode plots, Nyquist, gain/phase margins)
• Proficiency in Python for algorithm development and simulation
• Experience with modern C++ for onboard software
• US Citizenship or Green Card required

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with spacecraft attitude control systems (reaction wheels, thrusters, gimbals)
• Understanding of orbital mechanics and geostationary stationkeeping strategies
• Background in estimation theory or Kalman filtering for attitude/orbit determination
• Hands-on experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing or real-time simulation environments
• Experience supporting live satellite operations or anomaly resolution

Benefits

• Competitive base salary ($140,000 - $230,000 USD)
• Significant equity package via incentive stock options
• High-quality company-subsidized healthcare
• Disability and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement planning
• Flexible PTO
• Free on-site catered meals

About the Company

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. We provide dedicated, secure networks to large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites already on orbit and a growing fleet, Astranis is a leader in satellite communications, backed by top-tier investors and a team of over 450 engineers and entrepreneurs.