GNC Engineer

Job Title:

GNC Engineer

Description

We are seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to support the design, development, and operational performance of spacecraft attitude control systems within a constellation environment.

This individual will play a key role across the full lifecycle - from concept and modeling through production validation and on-orbit performance analysis. The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, including software, systems, and mission operations.

This is a hybrid role based in the greater Seattle area.

Key Responsibilities:

+ Lead analysis efforts related to spacecraft attitude control performance, including pointing accuracy, stability, and responsiveness

+ Develop and execute high-fidelity simulations (e.g., 6

DOF) to validate system behavior and mission concepts

+ Define system-level requirements for control subsystems, including both hardware and software interfaces

+ Partner with software teams to support integration of control system components into flight code

+ Design and implement control algorithms, autonomy logic, and fault detection/recovery strategies

+ Build and refine simulation models for sensors, actuators, and overall system behavior

+ Develop and execute verification plans to support production and ensure system readiness

+ Support launch preparation and early mission operations, including calibration and performance tuning

+ Analyze flight telemetry to assess system health and improve in-orbit performance

+ Interface with external vendors providing control system hardware components

+ Contribute to internal process improvements and technical development standards

Skills

guided navigation and controls, ADCS, matlab simulink, attitude determination and control, control systems, aerospace vehicle, C++, Python, testing, simulation, model development, GNC, 6

DOF, validation, conops, satellite, design, quaternion

Top Skills Details

guided navigation and controls,ADCS,matlab simulink

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

+ BS (or higher) in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related field

+ 5+ years of experience working with spacecraft control systems or similar dynamic systems

+ Strong background in control system development, modeling, and analysis

+ Experience conducting system-level trade studies and performance evaluations

+ Familiarity with testing and validating control systems in aerospace or high-reliability environments

+ Solid understanding of dynamics, coordinate systems, and rotational kinematics (e.g., quaternions)

+

Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar tools for modeling and simulation

+ U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience supporting high-precision pointing systems

+ Experience in spacecraft operations or on-orbit performance analysis

+ Familiarity with orbital mechanics and trajectory modeling

+ Experience developing or working with high-fidelity system simulation environments

+ Exposure to supplier/vendor coordination for hardware integration

+ Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar languages

+ Ability to operate both at a system level and in detailed technical problem-solving scenarios

Experience Level

Intermediate Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tukwila, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $77.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:  - Medical, dental & vision  - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital  - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available  - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)  - Short and long-term disability  - Health Spending Account (HSA)  - Transportation benefits  - Employee Assistance Program  - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Tukwila,WA.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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