Staff GNC Engineer

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.

OUR MISSION

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together

YOUR MISSION

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and validate GNC algorithms and systems for spacecraft operating in LEO, GEO, and Cislunar environments.
• Develop and refine orbit determination and trajectory planning algorithms for a range of mission profiles, including interplanetary and cislunar operations.
• Lead the design, development, and integration of spacecraft attitude control systems, including sensor and actuator selection, modeling, and testing.
• Perform detailed simulations and analyses of spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control performance using tools such as MATLAB, or equivalent software.
• Optimize GNC strategies for mission-specific constraints, such as fuel efficiency, precision targeting, and operational robustness.
• Define and oversee GNC system validation campaigns, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, simulation validation, and on-orbit performance evaluation.
• Collaborate with subsystem teams, including propulsion, avionics, and mission operations, to ensure seamless integration of GNC systems.
• Support mission operations with orbit maintenance, trajectory adjustments, and anomaly resolution. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 12+ years of experience in spacecraft GNC system design, analysis, and operations.
• Proficiency in orbit determination techniques for LEO, GEO, and Cislunar environments, including Kalman filtering and batch least squares methods.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft attitude dynamics and control systems, including quaternion-based kinematics.
• Experience with GNC simulation and modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, STK, GMAT, or equivalent.
• Experience coding in Python and C++.
• Hands-on experience with flight hardware, including star trackers, reaction wheels, IMUs, and thrusters.
• Proven ability to deliver GNC solutions for challenging mission profiles in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Expertise in orbit determination and trajectory design for cislunar or interplanetary missions.
• Familiarity with mission-specific challenges, such as lunar gravity assists, libration point orbits, and deep-space navigation.
• Experience with optimization techniques for trajectory planning, such as genetic algorithms or direct collocation methods.
• Hands-on experience with autonomous navigation techniques, such as optical navigation or onboard astrodynamics.
• Familiarity with advanced sensor fusion techniques and their application in challenging environments, such as cislunar space.
• Experience working in a startup or similarly fast-paced and multidisciplinary environment. 

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary:  $180,000 - $235,000

• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—This role will be remote until we open our LA factory in early 2025 and then transition to an onsite role.