GNC Engineer

Chantilly, VA

Full Time

Strategic Military Space

Mid Level

Job ID: 18311

The Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) family is seeking talented mid to senior-level Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineers to be a part of our growing technical team supporting advanced research and programs for the US Government.

This position is to support a growing GNC and Computer Vision (CV) team in the northern Virginia area. Candidates will be flexible to work both from a home office and at an SDL facility in Chantilly, VA.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and analyze small satellite mission concepts
Develop and test GNC algorithms, system models, and simulation software
Develop and test GNC flight software
Support small satellite development, test, and on-orbit operations
Document designs, analysis, and test results and generate presentation materials
Present design, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
Represent SDL at technical meetings, presentations, and symposia

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering or a related STEM field
Minimum of 5 years experience in the aerospace industry
Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Astrodynamics / Orbital Mechanics
- Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
- Formation Flying
- Attitude Dynamics and Controls (ADC)
- Spacecraft Navigation / Orbit Determination
- Image processing / Computer Vision for relative navigation
- Spacecraft Guidance / Optimization
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar technical analysis tools
Excellent communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work individually or on a small team
Must be a US citizen
Must be able to travel periodically to SDL headquarters in Logan, UT
Must be able to travel occasionally to contractor and customer facilities
Active DoD Top Secret clearance or current SSBI (<4 years old)

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related STEM field
Experience in GNC Flight Software Development using compiled languages or auto-code techniques
Experience working on RPO missions
Experience with Hardware-in-the-loop simulation and test
Experience with GNC and ADC hardware (e.g. star trackers, reaction wheels)
Experience with satellite ground or flight systems
Experience with Atlassian management tools (Confluence, JIRA, Bitbucket, etc.)
Ability to lead small teams
Ability to provide mentoring, leadership, and experience sharing with junior engineers

At the Space Dynamics Laboratory, we take pride in and highly value our employees.
SDL offers competitive salaries and fantastic benefits, including:

A 14.2% employer retirement contribution into a 401(a) account. No matching required!
Flexible work schedules to fit your style-every Friday off, every other Friday off, hybrid remote work, or simply traditional hours
Generous paid leisure and sick leave to ensure you never miss a special event
Favorable company locations with average commute times of less than 15 minutes
Utah State University undergraduate tuition discounts of 50%, full reimbursement for graduate tuition, and free course audits for employees and dependents meeting eligibility requirements
High-quality, low-cost health, dental, and life insurance
A great, highly educated team that works together to solve some of the most fascinating problems on (and off) our planet
SDL maintains a family feel and high retention rate (over 90% job satisfaction rate)
Relocation assistance available for most positions

SDL supports a variety of missions, including NASA’s vision to reveal the unknown for the benefit of humankind and the Department of Defense’s aim to protect our Nation on the ground, in the air, and in space. Our sensors, satellites, software systems, and science and engineering play an essential role in some important missions you’ve heard of, and others that you haven’t. Join our team in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

For questions or assistance with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program, please contact employment@sdl.usu.edu.

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GNC Engineer

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