GNC Engineer (space/defense)

Position Summary:

ALTEN is seeking a motivated Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to support the development, analysis, and verification of satellite GNC systems. This role contributes to the spacecraft development lifecycle-from requirements refinement through integration and testing-while working closely with senior engineers and cross functional teams. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capability, initiative, and a desire to grow technical depth within space systems engineering.

Position Responsibilities:

The GNC Engineer's primary responsibility will be contributing to the development of our  satellite GNC systems. This engineer will be involved in the full lifecycle of development, from requirements definition through operations. Being at the cutting edge of space technology, we need someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take on new and potentially unfamiliar challenges. There is no shortage of fascinating problems to solve.

Guidance, Navigation, and Control - 50%

• Design and implement GNC designs for new spacecraft designs to accommodate a variety of new mission payloads onto spacecraft platforms.
• Analyze, design, and/or develop GNC systems to include:
• Sensors and actuators
• Algorithms and flight software
• GNC electronics
• Support the development of subsystem level requirements and requirement flow-down to the various components and parts as necessary - in all phases of the development lifecycle with particular emphasis on Design for Cost/Design for Manufacturability/Design for Test approaches
• Ensure the maximum reuse of the existing heritage products and if necessary identify need for modification
• Ability to drive multiple design activities (programs or mission) - could lead to spacecraft, payload, satellite bus, and/or launch integration activities;
• Demonstrated ability to participate in cross-functional planning, coordination, and task execution situations involving the full spectrum of engineering and integration activities

Simulation Development - 40%

• Develop high‑fidelity simulation architectures to support spacecraft GNC performance analysis, algorithm validation, and mission‑level trade studies.
• Build, maintain, and update simulation models reflecting spacecraft design adjustments, mission requirements, and evolving product‑line roadmaps.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, GNC algorithms, and flight software components into end‑to‑end simulation frameworks for verification and design optimization.
• Support the definition and maturation of a spacecraft customization process by developing simulation tools that evaluate performance impacts of mission‑specific modifications.
• Conduct Monte‑Carlo analyses, linear covariance assessments, and closed‑loop performance evaluations to ensure compliance with system‑level requirements.
• Automate simulation workflows to improve design iteration speed, requirement flow‑down, and assessment of design‑for‑cost/manufacturability considerations.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure simulation products accurately represent spacecraft architecture, subsystem interfaces, and operational constraints.
• Document simulation artifacts, assumptions, and model validation results to support design reviews and certification activities.

Additional Responsibilities - 10%

• Contribute to GNC engineering activities required for developing and updating spacecraft product lines.
• Assist in evaluating opportunities for cost savings and design reuse across programs.
• Support troubleshooting, anomaly resolution, and ongoing improvements within active projects.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
• Preferred: Master's in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years with a Bachelor's degree, or 1 year with a Master's degree

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

• Experience with Matlab/Simulink; familiarity with STK.
• Ability to model, simulate, and analyze spacecraft dynamics, sensors, actuators, or control algorithms.
• Exposure to software development practices, verification, or validation activities.
• Experience with at least one programming or scripting language (e.g., C/C++, Python, TCL).
• Strong analytical skills and willingness to collaborate in a team environment.

Travel Required:

• Periodic travel (less than 20%) to customer’s facilities or partner companies
• Occasional International travel to collaborate with European counterparts

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship is required

Clearance:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance
• Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable

Location: REMOTE

Salary Range: $90K-$125K

The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate’s combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience 

Note: Due to the nature of the work, only US Persons (citizens or permanent residents) need apply for this position