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Apex manufactures commercial satellite buses (spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. These platforms enable earth observation, communications, and other critical space-based services.
You will join a closely integrated team as a Senior Spacecraft GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer, reporting directly to the Director of GNC, HITL & Mission Ops. This is a clean-sheet design opportunity where you will drive the design of the GNC system—both hardware and software—to meet position, attitude, knowledge, and stability requirements across the satellite bus architecture. You will conduct coupled trades across vehicle architecture and innovate to push design and performance limits.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement GNC algorithms for satellite systems, including attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing
- Conduct spacecraft dynamics analysis and simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracy
- Design, develop, and test spacecraft control systems (reaction wheels, thrusters, magnetic torquers) to achieve mission objectives
- Collaborate with spacecraft and payload engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC compatibility
- Perform trade studies for optimal GNC configurations, considering power, mass, and cost
- Develop and execute comprehensive test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing and anomaly resolution
- Analyze spacecraft telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related issues
- Partner with software engineers to develop GNC software modules and interfaces
- Develop algorithm and subsystem tests with validation criteria for functional and performance verification
- Provide technical expertise to cross-functional teams including project managers, systems engineers, and operations personnel
- Stay current with industry advancements and emerging GNC technologies
Required qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; 8+ years of professional GNC engineering experience, preferably in satellite or aerospace; strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory; proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, Python with numerical simulation experience; familiarity with GNC hardware (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers) and software components; experience with MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or similar tools; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent teamwork and communication; ability to lead engineering solutions end-to-end; U.S. Person status required for export-controlled data access.
Apex is a fast-growing startup that has raised over $500M in funding. The company offers equity, comprehensive healthcare (100% company-paid medical, dental, vision), 15-20+ days vacation plus 10 paid holidays, 401(k) matching, 8 weeks paid parental leave, daily catered lunch, and a world-class Playa Vista office with flexibility for in-person collaboration.
