Spacecraft GNC Engineer

About the role

Apex Technology is building satellite buses at scale to support the growing demand for commercial space infrastructure. We are looking for an experienced GNC Engineer to lead the design of hardware and software systems for our spacecraft platforms. You will report to the Director of Spacecraft and work on a clean sheet design to define vehicle architecture and performance.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create and deploy GNC algorithms for orbit determination, attitude control, and precision pointing.
• Run dynamics analysis and simulations to verify stability and system accuracy.
• Design and validate control hardware including thrusters, reaction wheels, and magnetic torquers.
• Partner with payload and systems teams to define requirements and ensure hardware-software compatibility.
• Conduct trade studies regarding mass, power, and cost to optimize vehicle configuration.
• Write and execute test plans for system-level verification and anomaly resolution.
• Review telemetry data to troubleshoot performance issues.
• Coordinate with software engineers to integrate GNC modules into the broader satellite system.
• Establish validation criteria for functional performance.

Requirements

• U.S. Person status is mandatory for access to export-controlled data.
• Bachelor or Master degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of professional GNC engineering experience within the aerospace or satellite sector.
• Proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, and Python for numerical analysis.
• Understanding of orbital mechanics, control theory, and spacecraft dynamics.
• Experience with GNC hardware such as star trackers, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and actuators.
• Familiarity with simulation tools like STK and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Knowledge of satellite protocols and standards including ECSS, CCSDS, and GPS/GNSS.

Skills & tools

• C/C++
• MATLAB/Simulink
• Python
• STK
• Orbital mechanics
• Control theory
• Satellite hardware integration

Practical notes

• Benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, plus $100k life insurance.
• Retirement package includes a 401(k) with a 100% match on the first 3% and 50% on the next 2%.
• Leave policy starts at 15 days of vacation plus 10 holidays, growing to 20+ days annually.
• Includes 8 weeks of paid parental leave and childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for travel.
• Perks include daily catered lunch, office socials, and a dedicated workspace in our Playa Vista office.