Senior Guidance, Navigation & Controls - Estimation Engineer

Overview

Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe— large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military. With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization requirements. The company has raised over $750 million and employs a team of 450 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites from its headquarters in Northern California, USA.

Role

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Controls - Estimation Engineer. You will develop, implement, and test algorithms that enable precise orbit and attitude knowledge and accurate maneuver execution for our satellites. You will contribute to algorithm design, high-fidelity simulation, and flight software implementation while collaborating across hardware and software domains to validate and verify system performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of navigation and estimation algorithms, including real-time filters (e.g., extended/unscented Kalman filters) and offline batch estimation methods
• Develop orbit determination pipelines, sensor fusion approaches, and navigation software for on-board and ground-based systems
• Design and test guidance algorithms for orbit transfers, stationkeeping, and attitude pointing maneuvers
• Build, validate, and maintain high-fidelity 6-DOF simulations and physics models to support guidance and estimation algorithm design and verification
• Perform performance analysis through Monte Carlo campaigns, covariance analysis, and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Define system requirements and conduct make/buy trades for sensors, actuators, and navigation subsystems, including accuracy, robustness, and fault tolerance considerations
• Contribute to concept of operations development, mission planning, and flight operations with a focus on navigation accuracy and maneuver execution
• Collaborate closely with hardware teams to integrate sensors and actuators, manage vendor deliverables, and support bring-up/testing of guidance and navigation hardware
• Support team growth by assisting in recruiting, interviewing, and mentoring new engineers

Requirements

• BS or MS degree in aerospace engineering, physics, computer science, or a related technical field with emphasis on orbital mechanics, estimation, or guidance
• 5+ years of experience working on spacecraft navigation, guidance, or related GNC subsystems
• Demonstrated expertise with estimation techniques (e.g., extended/unscented Kalman filters, sensor fusion, batch least-squares)
• Experience developing and testing guidance algorithms for orbital or attitude maneuvers
• Experience developing and testing orbit determination and state estimation algorithms in both simulation and hardware-in-the-loop environments
• Proficiency with Python, C++, and Git
• Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and validate flight or ground software from scratch
• Hands-on experience working with spaceborne or aerospace sensors and actuators (e.g., star trackers, IMUs, GNSS, reaction wheels, thrusters)
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Bonus

• Experience with advanced orbit determination techniques (e.g., sequential processing, covariance realism)
• Familiarity with trajectory design and optimization methods
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion and maneuver planning
• Experience with geostationary spacecraft operations
• Background in hardware-in-the-loop simulations
• Experience implementing estimation and guidance algorithms on embedded systems

What we offer

All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits. Base pay is $155,000—$200,000 USD and may be complemented by equity, health insurance, disability and life insurance, flexible PTO, 401(K), and on-site catered meals. Our pay ranges are informed by salary surveys and factors including experience, credentials, and level of the position.

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, Or Refugee/Asylee Status Required (To comply with export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Space Research and Technology