Sr. Navigation Engineer (8-12 yrs)

Advanced Space Full-time Hybrid Out of State Remote

Were going to the Moon. Think youve got what it takes

About the Role

At Advanced Space were enabling humanitys return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. Were looking for a Sr. Navigation Engineer to lead the development of advanced spacecraft navigation solutions for some of the most ambitious missions in the space industry.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role. Youll own navigation strategies across the full mission lifecyclefrom early mission formulation through flight operationswhile mentoring engineers solving complex astrodynamics challenges and helping shape the future of space exploration.

Were looking for someone who thrives in technically demanding environments enjoys tackling problems that havent been solved before and is excited to work alongside a team thats delivering real missionsnot just concepts.

This position is open to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) only. Visa sponsorship is not available.

An active TS/SCI clearance is preferred but not required.

About Advanced Space

Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration development and settlement of space through innovative software mission services and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASAs CAPSTONE mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRLs Oracle mission were helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial civil and national security customers.

Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly collaborate across disciplines and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If youre passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space youll fit right in.

What Youll Actually Do

Lead spacecraft navigation from concept through operations.

Own navigation strategy across every phase of the mission including formulation tracking architecture orbit determination estimation approaches maneuver support and on-orbit operations. Youll be the technical leader ensuring our navigation solutions perform when it matters most.

Build next-generation navigation solutions.

Develop and validate advanced Kalman filter configurations for challenging mission environments including multi-body dynamics low-thrust trajectories weak observability and deep-space operations. Youll architect solutions that integrate mission design GNC communications and ground systems into a cohesive navigation approach.

Own mission-critical flight operations.

Serve as the primary navigation lead during mission preparation and flight operations. Support console activities perform real-time orbit determination respond to anomalies and provide technical leadership during critical mission events.

Drive technical excellence.

Lead navigation analyses for major design reviews communicate technical trades and mission risks improve internal tools and operational processes and help establish best practices that strengthen our navigation capabilities across the company.

Grow the team and shape the future.

Mentor junior engineers review technical work and contribute to proposal efforts and internal research initiatives that define the next generation of navigation technologies and missions.

Who Thrives Here

• You have 812 years of experience in spacecraft navigation orbit determination flight dynamics or a closely related discipline.
• Youve led complex navigation efforts and are comfortable owning technical decisions from concept through flight.
• You have deep experience designing tuning and validating advanced Kalman filters across a variety of mission environments.
• Youre experienced with industry-standard astrodynamics and navigation tools such as MONTE FreeFlyer ODTK GMAT or STK.
• You enjoy solving difficult technical problems and arent intimidated by missions that push beyond traditional approaches.
• You communicate complex technical concepts clearly whether presenting to customers leading design reviews or mentoring teammates.
• You enjoy collaborating across engineering disciplines and understand how navigation connects with mission design GNC communications and flight operations.
• You take ownership. When you see a challenge you work with the team to solve it.

Bonus Points if You Have Experience With

• Cislunar or deep-space navigation
• Multiple measurement types (radiometric GPS optical angles-only)
• MONTE astrodynamics toolkit
• Multi-spacecraft missions
• Navigation support for maneuver planning and execution
• Navigation verification CONOPS or ICD development
• Proposal leadership or IRAD development
• An active or previous TS/SCI clearance
• A Masters or Ph.D. focused on astrodynamics state estimation or Kalman filtering

Success is Measured By

• Delivering accurate reliable navigation solutions across every mission phase.
• Successfully leading navigation efforts for flight operations and mission execution.
• Building robust estimation architectures for challenging mission environments.
• Improving navigation tools processes and operational efficiency.
• Mentoring engineers and strengthening the technical capabilities of the navigation team.
• Contributing to new mission concepts proposals and technology development that expand Advanced Spaces capabilities.

Why Join Advanced Space

• Work on real missions that are shaping the future of lunar and deep-space exploration.
• Help lead navigation efforts for cutting-edge spacecraft and mission concepts.
• Collaborate with some of the industrys top experts in astrodynamics autonomy and mission design.
• Be part of a growing company where your technical contributions have a direct impact on mission success.
• Join a team thats passionate about delivering innovation to orbitand beyond.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $132000$174900 (based on experience qualifications and location)
• Signing bonus
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Company-sponsored medical benefits and 401(k)
• Flexible time off
• Relocation assistance
• Hybrid work schedule (minimum three days per week onsite) for employees within commuting distance of Westminster Colorado
• Remote work may be available for exceptional candidates who reside outside the area and are unable to relocate

Advanced Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.