SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
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.
As a Spacecraft GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer, you will join a closely integrated team reporting directly to the Director of Spacecraft. This is a clean-sheet design opportunity where you will drive the development of GNC systems—both hardware and software—to meet position, attitude, knowledge, and stability requirements for the satellite bus. You will conduct coupled trades across vehicle architecture and push the limits of design and performance.
Key responsibilities include developing and implementing GNC algorithms for attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing. You will conduct spacecraft dynamics analysis and simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracy. You will design, develop, and test spacecraft control systems including reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetic torquers. Collaboration is central: you will work with spacecraft and payload engineers to define system requirements, perform trade studies for optimal GNC configurations (considering power, mass, and cost), and develop test plans for system-level validation. You will analyze spacecraft telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot anomalies, work with software engineers on GNC module integration, and provide technical support to cross-functional teams including project managers, systems engineers, and operations personnel.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field, plus 1+ years of professional GNC engineering experience, preferably in satellite or aerospace. You must have strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory. Programming proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, or Python is essential, along with experience in numerical simulation and analysis. Familiarity with GNC hardware (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers) and software components, simulation tools (MATLAB/Simulink, STK), and industry standards (CCSDS, ECSS, GPS/GNSS) is required. U.S. Person status is required due to export control regulations. You should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent teamwork and communication abilities, self-motivation, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
