Senior Gnc Engineer

ABL Space Systems was founded in 2017 by veterans of SpaceX and Morgan Stanley to develop low-cost launch vehicles for the small satellite industry. More importantly, we're building a launch system we are truly proud of - no gimmicks or over-design, just reliable, rapidly deployable launches. We're an ambitious team with big goals and, together, we're determined to prove that reaching space can be simple, efficient, and routine.  

A Senior GNC Engineer knows not only how to steer the launch vehicle on its way to orbit, but can lead across teams to push complex problems to reliable, simple, robust solutions.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Perform and lead the GNC system development, implementation, integration and testing
• Gather, define, and document requirements to support mission and/or trajectory
• Develop GNC algorithms, models and software
• Develop, analyze and review data to validate and verify system meets specifications and design requirements
• Perform modeling and simulation tasks to validate system design and performance
• Perform GNC system integration, checkout and troubleshooting of anomalies
• Perform and direct test planning, development of test procedures and test execution
• Develop sensor and support Avionics systems requirements
• Support critical sensor (e.g. IMU) system engineering, integration and test
• Support critical controller (e.g. Thrust Vector Control Actuators, Throttle Valves) system engineering, integration and test
• Mission specific analysis for customer launch and in support of business development
• Perform "Hardware in the Loop" (HITL) testing/simulation prior to launch on both testbed and integrated launch vehicle
• Mentor younger engineers and help develop their technical skill sets
• Step up as a leader to be at the forefront of solving the most challenging and impactful technical issues

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• B.S. degree from an accredited university
• 5+ years of experience in the development of aircraft, missile, spacecraft or similar vehicle GNC system

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• M.S. or PhD degree from an accredited university
• Demonstrated skills in modeling, simulation, and analysis software such as MATLAB/Simulink and experience in at least one or more high-level programming languages (e.g. C, C++, or FORTRAN)
• Proficiency in trajectory planning/design and optimization algorithms or tools (e.g. POST2)
• Day of launch or on-orbit systems support including launch limits and loads/GNC capabilities evaluation
• Demonstrated leadership of or within a small project team either in current role or during project based team in school
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex and difficult technical problems with simple robust solutions

WHAT WE LOOK FOR:

• Critical thinking:  ABL engineers understand the "why" behind all design decisions, operational events and test outcomes
• Ability to deal with ambiguity: ABL engineers must be comfortable defining their own pathway to an objective
• End-to end ownership:  projects are delivered fully complete and ready for flight

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENTS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
• Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment

$145,000 - $210,000 a year

This position requires access to information protected under US export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations.  As such, US person status (including US citizens, permanent residents, asylees, and refugees) is a required qualification for this position.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, genetics, or citizenship status (when otherwise legally authorized to work and access export-controlled data) and will not be discriminated against on the basis of such characteristics or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage applicants of all ages.