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Apex manufactures satellite buses (spacecraft platforms) at scale, combining software, vertical integration, and hardware designed for manufacturing. The company serves the rapidly growing commercial space industry by providing platforms that enable earth observation, communications, and other critical missions.
You will join a closely integrated team reporting to the Director of Spacecraft, driving the design of the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system from clean sheet. This is a senior individual contributor role with significant technical ownership and influence over spacecraft architecture.
Key responsibilities include:
- Develop and implement GNC algorithms for 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 and test control systems including reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetic torquers
- Collaborate with spacecraft and payload engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC integration
- Perform trade studies for optimal GNC configurations considering power, mass, and cost
- Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for system-level validation and anomaly resolution
- Analyze spacecraft telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC anomalies
- Work with software engineers on GNC software modules and interfaces
- Stay current with industry advancements and contribute to continuous improvement
- Provide technical expertise to cross-functional teams including project managers and operations personnel
Required qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field; 3+ years as a GNC Engineer in satellite or aerospace; strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory; proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, Python; experience with MATLAB/Simulink and STK; familiarity with sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers) and control algorithms; knowledge of CCSDS, ECSS, and GPS/GNSS standards; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; excellent teamwork and communication; self-motivated and detail-oriented. U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.
