Senior GNC Engineer

About Phantom

At Phantom Space Corporation, we provide a rare opportunity to join a startup founded by people who are passionate about what they do. We are seeking like-minded people who inspire others with their drive, determination, and unshakable work ethic, to join our team. 

About the Role

As a Senior GNC Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and tests of algorithms, software, and simulation tools that perform guidance, navigation and control of launch vehicles and spacecraft during powered and coast phases of launch, and orbit.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform launch vehicle trajectory design and optimization analysis
• Develop 6DOF guidance algorithms and models to achieve a desired position, orientation and orbit in space
• Define navigation solutions that drive the hardware selection or development to meet mission controls requirements
• Work with the engineering team to implement the control system design for launch vehicles and spacecraft
• Collaborate with vehicle design team to establish flight loads and structural requirements during ascent through the atmosphere
• Collaborate with the test engineering team to define and conduct simulations and tests to validate guidance, navigation and control systems
• Lead design reviews of software architecture designs and requirements, and conduct peer reviews of code

• Provide mentorship to more junior members of the team, and assist other teams within the company when GNC expertise is needed
• Keeping immediate supervisor up to date on all projects, with regards to project status, completion time, and any problems that may have arisen during the course of the project
• Performing other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S., M.S. or PhD in an engineering discipline with a focus on control systems, orbital mechanics, or similar
• Minimum 5+ years of experience developing Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems for launch vehicle or missile applications

• Strong understanding of orbital mechanics, modeling and simulation, and software development
• Strong understanding of developing 6DOF physics-based models

• Software development experience in MATLAB, Simulink, and C++
• Demonstrated ability to design, build, and test hardware and/or software
• Experience developing vehicle simulations or flight software
• Capable of identifying and solving complex problems with little to no supervision or direction
• Experience with low thrust trajectories
• Ability to communicate complex technical ideas in a convincing manner
• Self-motivated with strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems for spacecraft in addition to missiles or launch vehicles
• Experience with spacecraft propulsion and attitude control
• Experience implementing algorithms for embedded systems or other real-time targets
• Proficient with common microcontroller and/or FPGA families
• Proficient with Git, familiar with industry-standard software QA techniques such as unit tests and CI/CD
• Familiar with classical and modern methods for analysis and synthesis of control algorithms
• Familiar with optimal control, non-linear control, and model reduction techniques

This role is on-site in Tucson, AZ, for 40 hours per week, with occasional extended hours to support critical activities such as launches and vehicle testing.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Phantom, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

 

Salary and Benefits

We are competitive in compensation and offer equity as part of the package. We have competitive benefits that include health, vision, dental, 401K in comparison to other startups.

 

ITAR Requirements

This position requires compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies.  All jobs restricted by these regulations will be contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency; in addition to any required company background checks and in compliance with applicable U.S. laws.  Similarly, positions requiring the ability to work on government contracts or a security clearance are also contingent upon the applicants ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts.

 

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.