Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer

About the role

Apex Technology is scaling its satellite bus production to support the growing demand for commercial spacecraft platforms. We are seeking a Principal GNC Engineer to oversee the guidance, navigation, and control architecture for our fleet across all project phases.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect GNC designs, models, and analyses for LEO, MEO, GEO, and RPOD missions.
• Develop flight software, algorithms, and simulation products.
• Create autonomy tools for managing satellite constellations.
• Select GNC components and design the subsystem.
• Manage test processes and define fault detection and response protocols.
• Execute hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulations.
• Integrate flight and simulation software with operations and analysis tools.
• Present at internal and external design reviews.
• Coordinate with program managers to maintain schedules, milestones, and technical status reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 15+ years of industry experience in GNC or ADCS.
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft or satellite development and operations.
• Leadership experience managing at least three direct reports.
• Experience interfacing with commercial or government aerospace customers.
• Proficiency with Jira for planning and workflows.
• Hands-on work with reaction wheels, IMUs, star trackers, and gyroscopes.
• Experience creating blended attitude solutions from sensor data.
• Proven track record in flight software development, implementation, and verification.
• Experience with on-orbit operations and resolving spacecraft anomalies.
• Ability to lead teams through a full project lifecycle and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Background in conceptual design or GNC-related business development.

Skills & tools

• Jira
• Hardware-in-the-loop simulation
• Monte Carlo simulation
• Flight software development
• IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes

Practical notes

• Benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents.
• Includes $100k life insurance, 401(k) with matching, and 8 weeks paid parental leave.
• Vacation starts at 15 days and increases to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays.
• Includes childcare reimbursement up to $350 per day for work-related travel.
• Daily catered lunches and office amenities provided in our Playa Vista location.