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Darwin Recruitment GmbH Logo Darwin Recruitment GmbH · IT - Software Development

Lead / Senior GNC Engineer

United States, Los Angeles 198750.00 USD / Year · Job Posted May 29, 2026
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Job Description

A spacecraft points, manoeuvres and stays alive because someone got the GNC right. Our client develops some of the most capable national security satellites in operation and they need a Lead GNC Engineer who can own the subsystem end to end, from algorithm development and sensor selection through to integration, test and on orbit support. This is a role for someone who combines deep technical ability with the confidence to lead a team and drive a complex programme to delivery.

Job Responsibility

  • As the Responsible Engineering Authority for GNC on a programme or constellation, you will own hardware, software and analysis delivery across the full lifecycle. That means performing subsystem design and analysis, leading flight control software development and validation, selecting sensors and actuators, and managing GNC work within programme cost and schedule constraints
  • You will lead a team of GNC engineers, decompose and delegate work effectively, interface across subsystems and programme management, and provide on console support during on orbit operations
  • Reporting technical progress and tracking risk to leadership is a core part of the position

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline with 5 or more years of industry experience
  • Strong GNC fundamentals and spacecraft system level knowledge
  • Ability to perform complex GNC system analyses covering kinematics, dynamics and control systems using existing or self developed tools
  • Proven ability to lead a small team of engineers and collaborate across subsystems and programme leadership
  • Ability to decompose large and complex tasks into clearly defined work packages for personal execution or delegation
  • US Person status required
  • Top Secret clearance required post start

Nice to have

  • 10 or more years of spacecraft GNC system design experience
  • Satellite integration and test experience, including independent root cause analysis during I&T
  • On orbit operations experience and the ability to support off nominal activities outside standard hours
  • Strong project management fundamentals including cost and schedule performance monitoring
  • Advanced understanding of classical and modern control theory, trade studies and systems integration
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
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