GNC Engineer - Space Dynamics Laboratory

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

• 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)

• 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

• 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.

EOE including Disability and Vet

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