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Astranis Space Technologies · 2 weeks ago

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Controls - Estimation Engineer

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$155K/yr - $200K/yr

5+ years exp

Astranis Space Technologies builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. As a Senior Guidance, Navigation & Controls - Estimation Engineer, you will develop and test algorithms for precise orbit and attitude knowledge, focusing on navigation and estimation algorithms while collaborating with hardware and software teams.

AerospaceInternetSatellite CommunicationTelecommunications

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and testing of navigation and estimation algorithms, including real-time filters (e.g., extended/unscented Kalman filters) and offline batch estimation methods

Develop orbit determination pipelines, sensor fusion approaches, and navigation software for on-board and ground-based systems

Design and test guidance algorithms for orbit transfers, stationkeeping, and attitude pointing maneuvers

Build, validate, and maintain high-fidelity 6-DOF simulations and physics models to support guidance and estimation algorithm design and verification

Perform performance analysis through Monte Carlo campaigns, covariance analysis, and hardware-in-the-loop testing

Define system requirements and conduct make/buy trades for sensors, actuators, and navigation subsystems, including accuracy, robustness, and fault tolerance considerations

Contribute to concept of operations development, mission planning, and flight operations with a focus on navigation accuracy and maneuver execution

Collaborate closely with hardware teams to integrate sensors and actuators, manage vendor deliverables, and support bring-up/testing of guidance and navigation hardware

Support team growth by assisting in recruiting, interviewing, and mentoring new engineers

Qualification

Aerospace engineeringEstimation techniquesGuidance algorithmsOrbit determinationPythonC++GitAnalytical skillsCollaborative environmentMentoring

Required

BS or MS degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field with emphasis on orbital mechanics, estimation, or guidance

5+ years of experience working on spacecraft navigation, guidance, or related GNC subsystems

Demonstrated expertise with estimation techniques (e.g., extended/unscented Kalman filters, sensor fusion, batch least-squares)

Experience developing and testing guidance algorithms for orbital or attitude maneuvers

Experience developing and testing orbit determination and state estimation algorithms in both simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments

Proficiency with Python, C++, and Git

Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and validate flight or ground software from scratch

Hands-on experience working with spaceborne or aerospace sensors and actuators (e.g., star trackers, IMUs, GNSS, reaction wheels, thrusters)

Strong analytical skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee Status Required