Guidance, Navigation, & Controls (GNC), Controls Engineer

Job description

Axiom Space is building the world’s first commercial space station – Axiom Station. Serving as a cornerstone for sustained human presence in space, this next-generation orbital platform fosters groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity, and cultivates the vibrant, global space economy of tomorrow. Today, driven by the vision of leading humanity's journey off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services to the International Space Station and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and low-Earth orbit. Axiom Space is building era-defining space infrastructure that drives exploration and fuels a vibrant space economy that will empower our civilization to transcend Earth for the benefit of every human, everywhere. Axiom Space fosters a work environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic GNC Engineer who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond. POSITION SUMMARY We are looking for a resilient, high-energy, experienced Senior GNC Engineer with experience designing control systems for flight vehicles. The engineer will work in fast paced environment to contribute to the development of control systems across the program lifecycle for Axiom Space’s modules. The successful engineer will work well across multi-disciplinary teams and use a system level understanding when implementing their design. The role requires strong technical background, organizational time management and adept communication skills. Will be based onsite at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF). KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Design, analyze, and implement GNC algorithms for aerospace vehicles. Develop and refine control laws using classical and modern control techniques (PID, LQR, MPC, adaptive control, etc.). Evaluate and integrate spacecraft control effectors (e.g. thrusters, reaction wheels, CMGs). Perform 6‑DOF modeling, simulation, and performance analysis to evaluate system behavior under nominal and off‑nominal conditions. Build high‑fidelity dynamic models of vehicles, sensors, actuators, and environmental disturbances. Conduct Monte Carlo analyses, sensitivity studies, and stability assessments to validate robustness and reliability. Use tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, C/C++, or similar environments to develop simulations. Translate GNC algorithms into flight‑ready software, ensuring numerical stability, computational efficiency, and real‑time performance. Collaborate with embedded software teams to integrate, test, and verify GNC functionality on hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) systems. Support development of requirements, interface definitions, and verification plans for flight software. Plan and execute verification and validation activities, including unit tests, SIL/HIL testing, and integrated system tests. Analyze flight test or mission data to assess GNC performance and identify areas for improvement. Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis for anomalies observed during testing or operations. Work with hardware teams to define performance requirements and ensure compatibility with GNC architecture. Contribute to system‑level design reviews, requirements development, and architecture decisions. Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, structures, and mission operations teams to ensure GNC solutions align with overall vehicle design. Provide technical leadership on sub‑projects, mentor junior engineers, and support design trade studies. Prepare technical reports, design documentation, test plans, and analysis summaries for internal and external stakeholders. Present findings at design reviews, customer meetings, and cross‑disciplinary engineering forums. Ensure compliance with aerospace standards, safety requirements, and certification processes. Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership. Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle. Perform additional job duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering or other related technical degree required 4-9 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required Development of attitude control systems on flight vehicles (spacecraft preferred) with experience in at least one of the areas below: Control law development and stability analysis Momentum exchange actuators, including Reaction Wheels and CMGs Control systems for vehicles with flexible modes and articulating components Optimization techniques such as least squares, linear/quadratic programming Experience with SWIL and HWIL testing and integration Actuator testing, characterization, and model development Experience developing with 6-DOF Monte Carlo simulations, with experience with NASA’s Trick simulation framework and JSC Engineering Orbital Mechanics (JEOD) preferred Proficient with C++, Matlab, and/or Python coding languages Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines Grit Passion for space and the mission Entrepreneurial, growth mindset Perseverance Resourceful, adaptable Skills Executes priorities with precision and pace High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally Tech-savvy in using systems and tools to move faster and smarter Excellent written and verbal communication skills Competencies: Embody our core values of leadership , innovation , and teamwork. In addition, to perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Accountability Sense of Urgency Extreme Ownership Execution and Delivery Efficiency Effectiveness WORK ENVIRONMENT: Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task. Requirements Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation. Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones. Physical Requirements Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time) May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time) Equipment and Machines Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.) Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.