Principal GNC Engineer
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on1900, Curtis Street, Central Business District, Denver, Colorado, 80225, United States
About the Team
Astroscale U.S. is dedicated to the global vision of ensuring the safe and sustainable development of space for future generations. As a leading provider of on-orbit servicing solutions, we deliver inspection, transportation, life extension, debris removal, and refueling capabilities for U.S. government and commercial operators worldwide. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, our team applies world-class expertise in rendezvous, proximity operations, docking, mission design, policy, and economics to solve complex challenges for our customers.
About the Role
We are seeking a Principal GNC Engineer to join our Denver team. In this role, you will design, develop, and test guidance, navigation, and control systems specifically for rendezvous and proximity operations missions. You will architect systems capable of meeting mission needs, lead the full GNC systems development lifecycle, and drive critical system-level activities including concept of operations, failure detection, and verification. This position requires balancing technical, programmatic, and commercial risks while mentoring engineering staff and engaging directly with customers and suppliers.
Hiring Process
If you are passionate about our mission and believe you would be an outstanding addition to our team, we encourage you to apply. We do not require you to check every single box or have a background solely in aerospace or defense; we value diverse perspectives and ways of thinking. The application deadline is June 14, 2026.
Equal Opportunity
At Astroscale U.S., we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and open-minded environment. We embrace a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking. Please note that Astroscale U.S. is a U.S. Government registered, export control compliant company and an E-Verify employer. Applicants must be a U.S. person or U.S. citizen.
Work location
Work model: On-site
1900, Curtis Street, Central Business District, Denver, Colorado, 80225, United States
Denver, Colorado
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleArchitect Guidance Navigation and Control systems for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations missions
- check_circleLead GNC systems development including design and implementation of hardware and algorithms
- check_circleReview and mentor engineering staff by providing expert technical feedback
- check_circleLead and actively participate in customer and supplier meetings
- check_circleLiaise with customer, supplier, and global staff to balance technical and commercial risks
- check_circlePrepare technical responses to bids, presentation materials, and reports
- check_circleDrive system level activities such as CONOPS, FDIR, maneuvers, and system test and verification
- check_circleAnalyze, design, implement, and validate control laws and algorithms for RPO scenarios
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering or related technical discipline
- verifiedGreater than 12 years experience in GNC systems design, engineering, and operations
- verifiedSubject-matter expertise in traditional and optimal control
- verifiedExperience with physics-based modeling of dynamic systems and Monte Carlo simulation analysis
- verifiedKnowledge of sensors and actuators and their impact to a GNC system
- verifiedU.S. citizen with ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance
Nice to Have
Background solely in aerospace or defense is not required; diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed.
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Guidance Navigation And Control, Rendezvous And Proximity Operations, Flight Dynamics, Trajectory Designs, Control Law, Algorithm Development, Failure Detection Isolation And Recovery, Physics-Based Modeling, Monte Carlo Simulation, Sensors.
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline required; Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline required; PhD in engineering or related technical discipline required.
Frequently asked questions about Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale
What does a Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale do?expand_more
A Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale is responsible for the following: Architect Guidance Navigation and Control systems for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations missions; Lead GNC systems development including design and implementation of hardware and algorithms; Review and mentor engineering staff by providing expert technical feedback; and Lead and actively participate in customer and supplier meetings.
What are the requirements for this Principal GNC Engineer role?expand_more
Astroscale is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering or related technical discipline; Greater than 12 years experience in GNC systems design, engineering, and operations; Subject-matter expertise in traditional and optimal control; Experience with physics-based modeling of dynamic systems and Monte Carlo simulation analysis; Knowledge of sensors and actuators and their impact to a GNC system; and U.S. citizen with ability to obtain TS/SCI security clearance.
Where is the Principal GNC Engineer role at Astroscale located?expand_more
Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale is based in 1900, Curtis Street, Central Business District, Denver, Colorado, 80225, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Principal GNC Engineer job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Astroscale has listed this Principal GNC Engineer role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Principal GNC Engineer role?expand_more
Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale typically requires 12+ years of relevant experience at the lead level.
What skills do you need for the Principal GNC Engineer role at Astroscale?expand_more
Key skills for Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale include Guidance Navigation And Control; Rendezvous And Proximity Operations; Flight Dynamics; Trajectory Designs; Control Law; Algorithm Development; Failure Detection Isolation And Recovery; and Physics-Based Modeling.
What education is required for Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical discipline required; Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline required; and PhD in engineering or related technical discipline required.
What category does the Principal GNC Engineer role belong to?expand_more
Principal GNC Engineer at Astroscale is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.