Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer

Overview

Katalyst

Description:

At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space as a present reality. We specialize in rendezvous and proximity operations, creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit. We process data from space-based sensors and upgrades using machine learning and orbital dynamic filtering to increase space domain awareness.

Role fit: you may be a great fit if you want to grow, embrace challenges and ambiguity, tackle tough space-industry problems, and enjoy collaborative work on a mission-driven team.

Our technology hinges on flawless execution of rendezvous, proximity operations and docking (RPOD) at the intersection of Space Domain Awareness (SDA), robotics, and in-space upgrades. You will focus on the design, build, test, analysis and in-orbit operation of the GNC system central to our RPOD spacecraft and SDA products.

If you have expertise in orbital mechanics, optimal control, spacecraft systems design, sensor fusion and navigation, and/or software development and you’re excited about making a big impact while collaborating with the team, we’d love to hear from you.

• Architect solutions to accomplish space mission objectives around RPOD with an emphasis on autonomy, from both hardware and software perspectives.
• Evaluate and select techniques to achieve missions (e.g., machine learning methods, physics-informed solutions, stochastic methods, Kalman Filters).
• Develop spacecraft guidance and control algorithms for proximity operations.
• Own relative navigation, sensor fusion and state estimation (cameras, LIDAR, IMUs, GPS) and navigation filter design.
• Develop autonomous trajectory planning for approach sequences.
• Collaborate with propulsion and other spacecraft teams to support ADCS design and implementation.
• Work with the Flight software team to integrate GNC algorithms into in-house flight software.
• Support hardware/software in-the-loop testing.
• Perform collision avoidance and safety analysis.
• Design concepts of operations (CONOPS) that balance thermal, power, momentum, and communications for spacecraft missions.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical engineering discipline
• 4+ years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control
• Software development experience in Python and C/C++ for flight software
• Experience developing, debugging, and deploying GNC sensors, effectors and algorithms used in real-world applications
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere
• Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion
• RPOD domain knowledge
• Strong spacecraft sensors and actuators understanding
• Experience in orbital mechanics / astrodynamics
• Ability to identify and solve complex problems with minimal supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Basilisk simulation environment knowledge
• Real-time embedded systems experience
• Spacecraft hardware knowledge (RWAs, thrusters, etc.)
• Mission operations experience

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Anticipated salary range for this role is $80,000-$110,000. Base salary is part of the total rewards package and includes eligibility for long-term incentives, an Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off are included.

ITAR/EEO statement: Our work involves ITAR-controlled information. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.