GNC Controls Engineer

Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you’ll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! SDL is a University Affiliated Research Corporation that performs cutting edge research and development for the Space Force and associated government agencies, specializing in developing new and untested space-based technologies. We are seeking a GNC Controls Engineer to join our Strategic & Military Space Division and lead the development, test, and deployment of control systems for satellites and space-based components.

The ideal candidate would have experience leading the design of satellite control systems including analysis, requirements derivation, algorithms, electrical, and mechanical, as well as contribute to teams working software, and systems engineering. This is an opportunity to play a strong technical design and leadership role and oversee controller designs in support of important, space-based US government missions.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.

• Owns the controller component of a major spacecraft subsystem (e.g., Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), propulsion, or gimbaled instruments) on satellites developed by SDL or external vendors
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of the owned component, including its design, functionality, interfaces, and integration within the broader spacecraft system
• Develops, interprets, and manages technical requirements to ensure the component meets mission objectives and overall system requirements
• Oversees controller and associated avionics development activities to ensure compliance with technical requirements, performance expectations, and program objectives.
• Collaborates across engineering disciplines to ensure component designs, interfaces, and implementations meet the rigorous performance and reliability standards required for spaceflight
• Performs design changes and analysis as needed
• Tracks issues using JIRA and works with programs to implement improvements
• Participates in mission and systems level program reviews providing technical expertise, design assessments, and status updates
• Prepares, reviews and presents technical documentation, including analyses, design documentation, development plans, and other engineering deliverables

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent qualifications and experience
• At least 7 years of experience in controller design and implementation, including a minimum of 4 years of experience serving as a component (i.e., box) owner
• Demonstrated experience designing controllers for aerospace applications
• Experience overseeing the full controller development lifecycle, including algorithms, modeling, electrical design, software development, mechanical design, systems engineering, integration, and checkout
• Experience integrating controllers into larger products or systems as a subsystem-level component
• Experience designing and implementing high bandwidth real time control systems
• Experience developing, documenting, and overseeing the implementation and verification of requirements for controllers and related aerospace systems
• Experience using MATLAB/Simulink for controller design, modeling, simulation, and technical analysis
• Working knowledge of classical spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)…