Senior GNC Engineer

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place! E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems. We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life. We are seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to take a key role in the design, development, simulation, and testing of our satellites’ attitude determination and control system. The role centers on developing, tuning, and validating mission-critical estimation and control algorithms, and on building and maintaining high-fidelity GNC simulation models and tools — running simulation campaigns and analyzing their results to verify system performance. The role requires strong fluency in simulation tools, relevant software languages, and modern development practices. This position is based in our Saratoga, CA office. What you will do:

• Design, implement, tune, and test satellite attitude estimation and control algorithms.

• Develop, maintain, and expand high-fidelity 6-DOF GNC simulation tools, including dynamics, environment, sensor, and actuator models.

• Define and run model/software-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation campaigns and build the data processing and analysis tools to assess GNC performance from simulation and flight telemetry.

• Participate in GNC software integration into the real-time flight software stack, and support hardware-in-the-loop testing.

• Apply rigorous software development and configuration management practices, leveraging modern tooling including AI-assisted development workflows.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide GNC domain expertise and support operations.

• Contribute to engineering reviews and produce clear, detailed technical documentation and test reports.

What you bring to this role:

• BS + 6 years / MS + 4 years / PhD + 2 years in Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, with professional work experience in GNC or another relevant field.

• Proven experience owning the design and deployment of advanced control algorithms in safety-critical applications such as aerospace or ground vehicles, including classical, optimal, and robust control.

• Experience working with estimation algorithms — comfortable tuning, updating, and validating Kalman filters and related sensor fusion — for attitude determination or similar applications.

• Experience developing and tuning GNC models of actuators, sensors, kinematics/dynamics, and environment.

• Experience with model-based validation of end-to-end control systems, from stability analysis and model/software-in-the-loop simulations to Monte Carlo campaigns and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

• Hands-on experience with C/C++, Python, Git, and Linux, and Matlab/Simulink, with strong practical skills in building, debugging, and testing complex software and algorithms.

• Strong initiative, with excellent teamwork, communication, and documentation skills; comfortable in a fast-paced startup environment.

Bonus points:

• Hands-on familiarity with attitude sensor and actuator hardware (IMUs, magnetometers, GNSS receivers, star cameras, reaction wheels, magnetorquers, etc.): hardware characteristics, testing, and calibration.

• Experience with space industry practices: design, qualification, acceptance, integration, and operations.

• Experience using AI/LLM tools to accelerate development, analysis, and documentation, with sound judgment about their limits.

Additional Requirements This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office.  The target base pay for this position is $100,000 - $200,000 annually.  The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.    We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.   E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role. Why E-Space is right for you: As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.   We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space: • An opportunity to really make a difference • Sustainability at our core • Fair and honest workplace • Innovative thinking is encouraged • Competitive salaries • Continuous learning and development • Health and wellness care options • Financial solutions for the future • Optional legal services (US only) • Paid holidays • Paid time off