Principal GNC Engineer

Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Location: El Segundo, California, USA
Salary: $165,000 - $215,000 per annum + bonus + equity + benefits
Sector: Space Systems / Aerospace Engineering

Alexander Associates are partnering with an innovative aerospace company developing next-generation spacecraft technologies. We are seeking an experienced Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to lead the development of a first-of-its-kind spacecraft platform and play a critical role in shaping the future of space operations.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of the complete GNC subsystem lifecycle, from concept development and architecture design through verification, flight software implementation, testing, launch support, and mission operations. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team and drive the development of advanced spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control capabilities for a truly groundbreaking space platform.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary GNC engineering team
• Architect and develop a novel GNC system for an advanced spacecraft platform
• Own the full GNC subsystem development lifecycle from concept through flight operations
• Define and manage GNC subsystem requirements and interface specifications
• Design and implement advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for flight software applications
• Work closely with subcontractors and external partners to develop and integrate GNC hardware and software solutions
• Perform component selection, trade studies, and hardware evaluations for GNC systems
• Lead subsystem-level Verification & Validation (V&V) activities
• Develop and execute Monte Carlo simulations, modelling, and performance analyses
• Support and conduct Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing and system integration activities
• Develop and contribute to mission operations and constellation management tools
• Support internal and customer-facing technical reviews and programme milestones
• Work closely with senior leadership to manage programme schedules, technical risks, and deliverables

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Minimum 5 years of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineering experience
• Experience supporting spacecraft and satellite development programmes
• Experience across the full project lifecycle from concept development through operations
• Experience developing and validating GNC algorithms and flight software
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing experience
• Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines to deliver complex systems
• Customer-facing experience within commercial aerospace, defence, or government programmes
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance

Desirable Experience

• Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• Experience with spacecraft flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS, F´ (F Prime), or similar architectures
• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience
• Interface Control Document (ICD) development and management
• Advanced spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) expertise
• Experience with mission analysis, simulation environments, and autonomous spacecraft operations
• Strong leadership and team development experience
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

What's on Offer

• Equity participation opportunities
• Performance-based bonus scheme
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous holiday allowance and company holiday schedule
• Health and wellness stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Opportunity to work on a pioneering spacecraft programme at the forefront of the commercial space sector
• Significant technical ownership and leadership responsibility
• Career progression within a rapidly growing aerospace organisation

If you are an experienced GNC Engineer looking to lead the development of next-generation spacecraft systems and contribute to truly innovative space missions, we would love to hear from you.