Spacecraft GN&C Engineer

Job ID: 7962
Date Posted: May 12 2026

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is seeking talented mid to senior-level Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) Engineers to be a part of our growing technical team supporting advanced research and programs for the U.S. Government in our Strategic & Military Space Division.

The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nations defense capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develops and analyzes satellite mission concepts
• Develops and tests GN&C algorithms models and simulation software
• Develops and tests GN&C flight software
• Supports small satellite development test and on-orbit operations
• Documents designs analysis and test results
• Presents design analysis and test results to internal and external customers
• Represents SDL at technical meetings presentations and symposia

• Masters degree in aerospace mechanical or electrical engineering or a related STEM field
• 8 years of related experience
• Experience and training in Astrodynamics / Orbital Mechanics
• Experience or training in one or more of the following areas:
  • Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
  • Formation Flying
  • Attitude Dynamics and Controls (ADC)
  • Spacecraft Navigation / Orbit Determination
  • Spacecraft Guidance / Optimization
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or similar technical analysis tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work individually or on a small team
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must have or be able to obtain a DoW security clearance
• Must be able to travel occasionally to contractor and customer facilities

• PhD in aerospace engineering or a related STEM field
• Experience in GN&C Flight Software Development using compiled languages or auto-code techniques
• Experience working on RPO missions
• Experience working on Cis-Lunar and Deep Space missions
• Experience with Hardware-in-the-loop simulation and test
• Experience with GN&C and ADC hardware (e.g. star trackers reaction wheels)
• Experience with satellite ground or flight systems
• Experience with Atlassian management tools (Confluence JIRA Bitbucket etc.)
• Understanding of communications protocols and link budgets/margin
• Ability to lead small teams
• Ability to provide mentoring leadership and experience sharing with junior engineers
• Active DoW Top Secret/SCI clearance or current SSBI (<4 years old)

• $116000 - $175000
  • Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role level location market conditions and individual qualifications including job-related skills experience and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidates preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.

Why Join SDL
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.

SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites sensors and instruments ground systems and data processing and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers scientists technicians and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.

At SDL we strive to uphold a culture of respect collaboration empowerment and accountability. We listen with open minds seek to understand diverse perspectives and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge involving others and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership act with integrity and be accountable. Above all we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.

The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 14 days; however it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.

For questions assistance or accommodation with the application process or the DoD SkillBridge program please contact