Ascent GNC Architect

About the Opportunity

Odyssey Space Research, LLC has an opportunity for a full‑time experienced Aerospace Engineer to support our continued growth in the Boulder, CO area. For more than 20 years Odyssey has tackled complex problems by providing innovative engineering and software solutions to advance space exploration – and had fun doing it. We foster a collaborative culture with a relaxed work environment where happy employees produce exceptional outcomes.

Being a part of Odyssey Space Research means being part of a team of highly skilled professionals in fields such as aerospace engineering, software, mathematics, and physics, who create innovative products and solutions to advance space exploration. Our goal is to provide you with challenging work in a fun environment.

Visit us at

Ascent GNC Architect (10+ Years, Subsonic to Hypersonic)

Role: Ascent GNC Architect – Guidance, Navigation & Control Systems for Rockets (Subsonic to Hypersonic Regimes)

Experience: 10+ years in GNC architecture, with proven design and integration experience across subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight regimes.

• U.S. Citizen (or Permanent Resident) is required due to the nature of the work
• BS/MS/PhD in Aerospace or similar degrees from accredited universities

• System Architecture & Design:
  Lead the conceptual and detailed design of GNC architectures for rocket systems, ensuring integration with propulsion, structures, and avionics
• Regime‑Specific GNC Solutions:
  Develop and validate GNC strategies tailored to subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flight regimes, addressing aerodynamic and control challenges
• Algorithm & Control System Development:
  Design and implement guidance algorithms, navigation filters, and control laws for high‑precision trajectory execution
• Simulation & Validation:
  Coordinate / support the use of CFD, flight dynamics, and control simulations to evaluate performance, stability, and robustness across regimes
• Integration & Trade Studies:
  Collaborate with systems engineers to integrate GNC with vehicle design, optimizing for mass, power, and cost while meeting mission requirements
• Testing & Certification:
  Develop and support the execution of test plans for GNC systems, including ground and flight testing, to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards
• Data Analysis & Troubleshooting:
  Analyze telemetry and performance data to diagnose anomalies and refine GNC performance
• Cross‑Disciplinary
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work with software, structural, and propulsion teams to ensure seamless GNC integration and compatibility
• Regulatory & Certification Support:
  Contribute to certification documentation and compliance with aerospace standards (e.g., FAA Part 450)

• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in guidance systems, control theory, navigation algorithms, flight dynamics, CFD, and CFD tools
• Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of rocket aerodynamics, propulsion integration, and hypersonic flight dynamics. Demonstrated expertise in compressible air flow dynamics, aeroelasticity, and simulation
• Analytical & Problem‑Solving: Strong mathematical and analytical skills for system‑level trade studies and optimization.
• Project Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading GNC architecture teams, managing schedules, and delivering on time, on budget designs.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Demonstrated experience with customer interaction including verbal and written communication & coordination of deep technical detail.
• Travel required for this position. Based in Boulder CO, occasional travel as needed.

Positions are available in the Boulder CO area

$100k – $180k