Senior GNC Systems Engineer

Astroscale U.S. is dedicated to the global Astroscale vision of ensuring the safe and sustainable development of space for future generations.  Astroscale U.S. Inc. is a leading provider of on-orbit servicing solutions — including inspection, transportation, life extension, debris removal and refueling — for the U.S. government and commercial operators around the world. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Astroscale U.S. applies world-class rendezvous, proximity operations and docking capabilities, mission design, policy, and economics expertise to solve the complex challenges our customers face. 

Astroscale U.S. Inc. is currently seeking a Senior GNC Systems Engineer to join our team in our Denver, Colorado location. In this role you will be a key contributor to the design and performance verification of GNC system in rendezvous and proximity operations, and the possibilities enabled by satellite inspection and servicing. You will support trades, inform design decisions, assess technical risk and mitigations to ensure mission success. You will be integral to delivery of GNC and simulation solutions as we together develop the on-orbit servicing eco-system that will deliver our vision of a sustainable space environment.

• Evolve mission requirements into system solutions that account for the maturity of the design and available technology.
• Lead the Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) systems development for an Astroscale U.S. program including the design and implementation of the GNC solution (hardware and algorithms) to meet the system requirements and mission needs.
• Drive system level activities, particularly those influenced by GNC, such as concept of operations (CONOPS), failure, detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR), maneuvers, operator and ground segment interaction, system test and verification.
• Control law and algorithm development – analyze, design, implement and validate scenarios, including those for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO).
• Evolve, maintain, and execute a satellite simulation tool suite.
• Evolve and maintain standard technical processes and approaches for GNC.
• Review and mentor other engineering staff, including providing expert technical feedback, and supporting internal review.
• Lead and actively participate in customer and supplier meetings.
• Prepare technical responses to bids, presentation materials and reports.
• Liaise with customer and supplier staff, and staff from other parts of Astroscale globally.
• Leverage commercial awareness, and an ability to balance and trade technical, programmatic and commercial risks in the context of commercial projects and products.

• A bachelor's degree, master's degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Experienced professional with 8+ years' experience in satellite systems design, engineering and operations.
• Subject matter expertise in guidance, navigation and control, and orbital mechanics.
• Experience with physics-based modeling of dynamic systems and Monte Carlo simulation analysis.
• Knowledge of sensor and actuators and their capabilities.
• Strong foundation in C, C++, and python and coding best practices
• Understanding of satellite design and development processes.
• Knowledge of on-orbit servicing or RPO is a benefit.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

If you’re passionate about our mission and believe you’d be an outstanding addition to our team, don’t worry about checking every single box—or having a background solely in aerospace or defense. At Astroscale U.S., we’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and open-minded environment. We embrace a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking. If you’re excited about contributing to our work and think you’d thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Salary range: $130,000 – $160,000. The salary range represents the low and high end of the Astroscale U.S. Inc. salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, knowledge, and ability as applicable to the role.

The application deadline is August 20, 2025.

Please note Astroscale U.S. is a U.S. Government registered, export control compliant company, as such applicants should be a U.S. person or U.S. citizen.
Astroscale U.S. Inc. is an E-Verify employer.