GNC Engineer

Description

At OKSI, we believe in owning problems end to end — from first concept through final delivery. We see it through! If you're looking for a place where you can take real ownership, stretch your skills, a place to grow your career while owning meaningful, mission-driven work, this is where you belong.

OKSI is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to design, develop, and validate GNC algorithms, flight software, and control systems for spacecraft and/or aerial vehicle platforms. The successful candidate will work across the full engineering lifecycle — from algorithm design and simulation through hardware integration, test, and on-orbit or flight operations — collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams, program management, and internal and external stakeholders.

What You'll Get To Do

Algorithm & Software Development

• Design and develop GNC algorithms for attitude determination and control, orbit determination and control, and precision pointing
• Design flight software, algorithms, and simulation products, and support spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
• Develop GNC software modules and interfaces in collaboration with software engineers, ensuring seamless integration with overall vehicle systems
• Implement designed flight control algorithms onto flight control system hardware
  
  

Analysis & Simulation

• Conduct spacecraft/vehicle dynamics analysis and perform simulations to evaluate system performance, stability, and accuracy
• Perform trade studies and recommend optimal GNC configurations, weighing factors such as power, mass, and cost
• Run hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and Monte Carlo simulations, including iron-bird analysis where applicable
• Define fault detection and response strategies for GNC subsystems
  
  

Hardware & Systems Integration

• Select GNC components and lead GNC subsystem design, including reaction wheels, thrusters, magnetic torquers, IMUs, star trackers, and gyroscopes
• Develop blended attitude solutions from multiple sensor data sources
• Collaborate with spacecraft, payload, and avionics engineers to define system requirements and ensure GNC compatibility and integration
  
  

Test & Operations

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for GNC systems, including system-level testing, performance evaluation, and anomaly resolution
• Support subscale-to-full-scale test and flight test activities, including travel to support flight test operations as needed
• Analyze telemetry data to diagnose and troubleshoot GNC-related anomalies and performance issues
• Support on-orbit or in-flight operations and anomaly resolution
  
  

Program & Team Collaboration

• Support internal and external design reviews
• Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain schedules, milestones, and technical status reporting
• Coordinate with distributed engineering teams across multiple sites
• Assist in development of technical proposals and project estimates, and help resolve technical and engineering conflicts
• Stay current on industry advancements and emerging technologies in GNC systems, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives
  
  

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience)
• 2+ years of professional experience in GNC/ADCS, spacecraft dynamics, flight testing, or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft/vehicle dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory
• Proficiency in relevant programming and analysis tools (e.g., C/C++, MATLAB, Python), including numerical simulation and analysis
• Familiarity with GNC hardware and software components: sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, star trackers), actuators, and control algorithms
• Experience with simulation tools commonly used in GNC engineering (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, STK)
• Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a related engineering field
• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one
• Hands-on experience with IMUs, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
• Experience with rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) design and operations
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
• Knowledge of industry standards and protocols for GNC systems, such as CCSDS, ECSS, and GPS/GNSS
• Experience with autopilot, flight control, ground control communications, or air vehicle subsystem integration and test, for manned or unmanned platforms
• Familiarity with Part 23/27 aircraft certification requirements
• Experience with Jira or similar planning and workflow tools
• Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or leading a team across a project lifecycle
• Experience working multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing across a team
• Experience with GNC-related business development or conceptual design work
  
  

DESIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex system dynamics and propose effective solutions
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and collaboration skills
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and within a team-oriented environment
• Strong initiative, ownership of work products, and commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid by the employer for employees
• Three weeks of vacation to start
• Automatic company contribution to 401K – 5% of earned wages (no matching required)
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities
• In-office (Jacksonville, AK or Los Angeles, CA ) or remote work (United States) available (position dependent)
• Level II: $98,059 - $132,668.
• Level III: $117,300 - $158,700
  
  

Why OKSI?

• See your work fielded fast. Get hands-on with hardware and watch it deployed to customers within months, not years.
• Build next-generation defense technology. Our engineering work protects warfighters, reduces collateral damage, and safeguards civilians.
• Speed and Accuracy We move quickly, and you'll see your work through from concept to deployment — not just one slice of the pipeline; no process bottlenecks we move with speed and agility !
• Flexible schedule Working at OKSI provides you with a unique opportunity to see fruition of your work while still having a real work-life balance with our hybrid schedule options.
• Professional Growth . OKSI is expanding and growing, which means faster-than-typical opportunities to advance your career.
  
  

We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process.

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R.

This employer participates in E-Verify.