[Hiring] GNC Engineer @AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc.

Role Description

This position offers FULLY REMOTE opportunities for candidates across the United States. Preferred work locations: Arlington VA, Denver CO, or Merritt Island, FL.

Airbus U.S. 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:

• Contributing to the development of Airbus U.S.'s satellite GNC systems.
• Involved in the full lifecycle of development, from requirements definition through operations.
• Design and implement GNC designs for new spacecraft to accommodate various mission payloads.
• Analyze, design, and/or develop GNC systems including:
  • Sensors and actuators.
  • Algorithms and flight software.
  • GNC electronics.
• Support the development of subsystem level requirements and requirement flow-down.
• Ensure maximum reuse of existing Airbus heritage products and identify modification needs.
• Drive multiple design activities (programs or mission).
• Participate in cross-functional planning, coordination, and task execution.

Guidance, Navigation, and Control - 50%

• Design and implement GNC designs for new spacecraft.
• Analyze, design, and/or develop GNC systems.
• Support the development of subsystem level requirements.
• Ensure maximum reuse of existing Airbus heritage products.
• Drive multiple design activities.
• Participate in cross-functional planning and coordination.

Simulation Development - 40%

• Develop high-fidelity simulation architectures for spacecraft GNC performance analysis.
• Build, maintain, and update simulation models.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, GNC algorithms, and flight software components.
• Support the definition and maturation of a spacecraft customization process.
• Conduct Monte-Carlo analyses and closed-loop performance evaluations.
• Automate simulation workflows to improve design iteration speed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate simulation products.
• Document simulation artifacts and model validation results.

Additional Responsibilities - 10%

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

Qualifications

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

Requirements

• 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.
• Periodic travel (less than 20%) to Airbus U.S. facilities or partner companies.
• Occasional International travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance.
• Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Superior employee benefits.
• Commitment to fostering individual career growth.