Principal GNC Engineer I

Summary

Join CesiumAstro, a developer of communication systems for various platforms, as a Principal GNC Engineer I. In this role, you will collaborate with technical and strategy teams to develop new algorithms and technologies for astrodynamics. You will design and implement complex algorithms for space situational awareness and precision orbital propagation. The position requires effective communication with team members and stakeholders, as well as participation in content creation and patent applications. You will lead research efforts, manage projects, and mentor early-career engineers. This role also involves interfacing with customers and publishing research findings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related discipline from an accredited institution with an emphasis on GNC, astrodynamics, or AI/ML applications in space
• 8+ years of experience in GNC system design, autonomy, or space operations in a research or applied environment
• Demonstrated experience implementing models on HPC systems or space-qualified processors
• Strong track record of securing and managing funded research projects
• Proficiency with astrodynamics software, orbital mechanics toolkits, and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++)
• Technical expertise in real-time space operations, satellite control systems, and API-based telemetry monitoring tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience interfacing with technical and non-technical stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research in astrodynamics, GNC and orbit prediction, space weather, and space domain awareness (SDA) leveraging machine learning and advanced numerical methods
• Design and develop high-fidelity GNC and astrodynamics models for high-performance FPGA-based computing platforms and space-grade embedded systems; collaborate with the broader engineering team to ensure their successful implementation
• Apply advanced AI/ML algorithms such as physics-informed neural networks for system identification, sensor fusion, and autonomous decision-making in space environments
• Serve as the Principal Investigator on complex GNC research efforts; manage technical milestones, and interdisciplinary teams
• Lead proposal writing efforts and assist secure external research funding from federal agencies, commercial partners, and international organizations
• Mentor early-career GNC engineers, postdocs, and graduate researchers; foster a collaborative and technically rigorous environment
• Perform technical analyses to support space operations, including but not limited to the analyses of satellite conjunctions, deployment events, and maneuver detection; develop algorithms for autonomous monitoring and alerting
• Lead technical interface with commercial and government customers; prepare and deliver high-impact presentations, status updates, and briefings
• Publish research in leading journals and conferences; represent the organization in international technical fora and strategic collaborations

Benefits

• Company stock options
• Health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans