Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

About the Role

The Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer is responsible for leading GNC development for Apex’s growing fleet of spacecraft platforms. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T. You will be responsible for planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Control Software organization in executing leading edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities:

Lead architect responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, and RPOD

Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product

Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management

GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design

Test process development and execution

Define fault detection and response

Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation

Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools

Support internal and external design reviews

Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status

Requirements:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, advanced degrees preferred

15+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS

5+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellites

Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports

Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors

Experience in Jira planning and workflow

Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware

Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data

Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software

Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution

Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle

Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team

Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work

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Why Join Apex?

Apex believes in creating a work environment that you look forward to embracing every day. Our employees love working at Apex, and we want you to love it too. We're a fast-growing startup that has raised more than $500M in funding, and we invest heavily in our people from day one.

What We Offer For Full-time Employees:

Shared upside: Receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create

Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, plus $100k life insurance at no cost

Comprehensive PTO package to reset and recharge - starting at 15 days vacation, growing to 20+ days annually, plus 10 paid holidays

Competitive 401(k) plan with generous matching - 100% match on first 3%, 50% on next 2%

8 weeks paid parental leave plus childcare reimbursement up to $350/day for work-related travel

Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day

Vibrant community: Monthly office socials, pickleball tournaments, run club, and gatherings for you and your family

Your dream desk setup and all the tools you need to be your most productive self

World-class Playa Vista office with the benefit of in-person collaboration with amazing coworkers and flexibility to integrate work and life

Real impact opportunity: Work alongside experts from aerospace, new space, and other cutting-edge industries to make a lasting difference

Additional Information:

Compensation ranges are set by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. A candidate's specific level and base pay are determined case by case and may vary with job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities, and internal equity. Beyond base salary, full-time hires are also eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options, along with medical, dental, and vision coverage and a 401(k) retirement plan.

ITAR Requirements

Apex's work is governed by U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To be eligible for this role, applicants must either (1) qualify as a U.S. Person, meaning a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee admitted under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or an individual granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or (2) be able to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Commerce, or another applicable U.S. government agency. You can learn more about ITAR here .

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.