GNC Systems Engineer

OUR COMPANY

As an early mover planning to offer key in-space transportation and infrastructure services, Momentus is at the forefront of the commercialization of space. With an experienced team of aerospace, propulsion, and robotics engineers, Momentus has developed a cost-effective and energy-efficient in-space transport system based on plasma water propulsion technology. 

OUR PEOPLE

Daring problems require daring solutions.  We boldly charge into uncharted territory knowing that no matter the outcome we will benefit from the journey and move closer to our goals no matter what. Our teams know that working at Momentus means more than building innovative technology, it means creating entirely new markets in the space economy. We are level-headed, business-minded strategic thinkers intent on providing immediate value to our customers today while simultaneously preparing for the vast possibilities of the future. If this sounds like you, we should talk.

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to support system design and implementation for Momentus’ Space Vehicles. The ideal candidate should be responsive, flexible, innovative, able to succeed within a collaborative, fast-paced, and dynamic environment and enjoys working on spacecraft product development.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop the architecture, define requirements and interfaces, and execute the design, build, integration, test, and verification of complex space-based attitude determination and control system (ADCS) subsystems
• Work closely with inter-disciplinary teams and collaborate with key partners and suppliers in order to ensure our system exceeds customer expectations
• Create and maintain high quality GNC subsystem technical documentation of programs, algorithms, and analysis as well as engineering artifacts for drawings, code, and use cases
• Produce and support reviews of GNC subsystem integration & test plans, procedures, test scripts, automation, and calibration routines
• Design algorithms, author simulations, model dynamics, write flight software code, perform integration & testing, verify requirements and validate on-orbit performance.
• Perform data analysis to review performance and functional data collected from both design verification tests, acceptance tests, and on-orbit/mission operations
• Architect, write, and debug flight software code with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable for similar applications
• Collaborate with mechanical designers to develop and test electro-mechanical and electro-optical subsystems
• Debug, root-cause, and make continuous improvements of control systems in a high-rate production environment
• Prepare reports documenting test system test results, test coverage and other KPI metrics, and communicate issues effectively with peer designers, developers, and managers

Required Skills and Experience

• Background in control theory, state estimation, space vehicle design, optimization, and software development
• Proven, hands-on experience with the design of precision state estimation and control of space vehicle, communication or optical payloads (RF antennas, optical inter-satellite links etc.)
• Experience in the test and verification of GNC algorithm performance via simulation, and validation & correlation of the simulation’s models
• General familiarity with the disciplines necessary for spacecraft flight including; structures, propulsion, avionics, GNC, flight software, dynamics, jitter, and launch and mission operations.
• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent technical communications skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Have demonstrated experience working on complex programs with a diverse set of talented individuals, as well as with partner organizations (including government agencies)
• Strong debugging/troubleshooting skills on development and deployed software used in real world applications/projects
• Experience with the full system engineering lifecycle for three axis stabilized space vehicles incorporating momentum, magnetic, and propulsive control
• Experience with state estimation, particularly attitude determination and control, orbit determination, GNSS, and radio navigation
• Experience with development of acceptance, production and qualification test plans and associated aerospace standards (GEVS / SMC-S-016)
• Experience as the technical lead, leading small groups of other test engineers across multiple designs
• Broad knowledge and experience in multiple disciplines related to satellite or space systems, including design, integration, test, operation, maintenance, and configuration/data management
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies
• US Security Clearance

Education & Work Experience:

• BS and/or MS degree in Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
• 4-8 years relevant experience.

Compensation: 

• Annual Base Salary Range: $ 120,000.00 - $ 150,000.00/per year
• Base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. Your actual base salary will be determined on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.  

This is a full-time position in San Jose, California. This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, or protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.

Momentus is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce.  Momentus is also an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, creed, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other protected class.

To all recruitment agencies: Momentus does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our employees or any company email.  Momentus will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.