Principal GNC Engineer

Katalyst Description:

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations creating a futurewhere maneuvering upgrading refueling and exploration are as routine as they are onEarth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What youdo there is the future. We are not building the trains. We arebuilding the machines thatlay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustainedresponsive operations possible we enable a new era of space activity that strengthensnational security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense hands-on and deeply rewarding. Youll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility craftsmanship and doing things the right way even when its harder. Youll work closely with thoughtful driven teammates who push each other to do their best.

Key Responsibilities:

Architecture and Investigation

• Architect solutions necessary to accomplish space mission objectives around space domain awareness and RPOD with an emphasis on autonomy from both a hardware and software perspective.
• Evaluate and select appropriate techniques to achieve mission such as machine learning methods physics-informed solutions stochastic methods Kalman Filters etc.
• Assist in proposal capture efforts with feasibility analysis and engage with private/public partners Department of Defense Other Government Agencies and other commercial partnerships.

Architecture Design

• Develop architecture lead trade studies and lead GNC team from conceptualization to flight for RPOD missions
• Design algorithms simulations and tools for orbit determination state estimation uncertainty propagation to support SDA efforts
• Analyze and source datasets for training and validation or algorithm performance.
• Build and test modeling and simulation tools for orbital/cislunar dynamics sensor modeling and visualization.
• Six degree of freedom modeling simulation and validation of space craft dynamics sensors and algorithms including for RPOD missions.

Implementation

• Collaborate with the software and GNC teams to implement algorithm in flight software.
• Heavily support hardware-in-the-loop testing for integrated system validation.
• Design concepts of operations (CONOPS) that balance thermal power momentum and communications for spacecraft missions.
• Provide mission operations training and support.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelors degree in a technical engineering discipline
• 5 years of experience working in guidance navigation and control
• Software development experience in Python
• Experience developing debugging and deploying GNC sensors effectors and algorithms that have been used in real world applications/projects
• Ability to work in a fast-paced autonomously driven and demanding start-up atmosphere
• Proven ability to lead a project from conception to completion

Desired:

• Experience with cradle-to-grave spacecraft design testing verification/validation and in-orbit mission operations
• Expertise in either guidance navigation or control
• Experience with multi-body astrodynamics
• Experience with Git Linux and Basilisk
• Software development experience in C/C
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $180000 - $280000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical vision and dental coverage and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130 which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information and as a result Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or national origin.