Lead GNC Engineer

The Lead GNC Engineer drives the design, verification, validation, testing, and characterization of guidance, navigation, control (GNC) and perception systems that enable manual, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous rover operations. This role defines the technical direction and system architecture for GNC and perception, leads a high-performing engineering team, and ensures the integrated solution meets demanding safety, reliability, and mission performance requirements. You will shape mission-critical architecture for a next-generation lunar rover in a highly collaborative, startup-style environment, partnering closely with avionics, software, vehicle engineering, and mission operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, verification, validation, testing, and characterization of GNC and perception systems for manual, semi-autonomous, and autonomous rover operations.
• Define the technical direction and system architecture for GNC and perception systems, incorporating inputs from GNC, avionics, and software stakeholders.
• Manage and mentor a team of GNC and perception engineers, fostering a high-performance, collaborative culture.
• Collaborate with avionics engineers to select, test, characterize, and calibrate GNC and perception sensors.
• Work closely with simulation and software teams to prototype, refine, and analyze GNC algorithms in vehicle simulation and software test environments.
• Partner with the flight software team to support implementation, integration, and testing of GNC and perception flight software.
• Define, plan, and oversee testing and validation of the integrated GNC solution across simulation, lab, field, and analog test platforms.
• Coordinate GNC and perception system design, implementation, and testing with vehicle engineering, including sensor and lighting placement, as well as with avionics, software, and mission operations teams.
• Ensure GNC and perception system designs meet applicable safety, reliability, and fault tolerance requirements.
• Balance performance, risk, and embedded compute constraints when defining architectures and algorithms.
• Ensure rover GNC and perception systems support tele-operated, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous vehicle operations.
• Provide technical leadership and support for GNC and perception during rover operations on the lunar surface.

• 10 years of experience developing GNC, perception, and autonomy systems for space vehicles, extraterrestrial rovers, or autonomous terrestrial vehicles.
• Proven experience leading high-performing engineering teams and delivering complex technical programs under aggressive timelines and constrained resources.
• Strong background across the full vehicle development lifecycle, from architecture and trade studies through embedded implementation, verification, testing, and operations.
• Deep expertise in perception and navigation systems, including sensor integration, image processing, localization, multi-sensor odometry, terrain-relative navigation, pose estimation, hazard detection, terrain mapping, and route planning.
• Experience designing and executing autonomy and navigation test campaigns across simulation, lab, field, and analog environments.
• Proficiency using statistical analysis methods such as Monte Carlo for validation and performance assessment.
• Hands-on experience developing and optimizing embedded autonomy, perception, and navigation software for compute- and power-constrained systems.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges of extraterrestrial rover operations, including lunar terrain, lighting conditions, regolith, thermal constraints, limited power environments, and mission assurance expectations.
• Prior experience implementing and testing GNC and perception system software on real flight hardware or embedded platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to define and manage end-to-end GNC architecture and design lifecycles, including algorithm development and integration.

• Experience working in highly collaborative, cross-functional engineering environments involving avionics, software, vehicle engineering, and mission operations.
• background in balancing performance, risk, and embedded compute constraints in safety-critical systems.
• Exposure to partnership or coordination with major space agencies or similar mission-driven organizations.
• Comfort operating in a startup-style, resource-constrained environment where autonomy and ownership are expected.

The role operates in a fast-paced, startup-style environment where autonomy, initiative, and ownership are essential. The team works in a highly collaborative, open workspace that encourages close interaction among GNC, avionics, software, vehicle engineering, and mission operations. You will work with advanced simulation tools, embedded computing platforms, flight hardware, and a variety of lab and analog test setups to validate GNC and perception systems. The culture emphasizes mission impact, rapid iteration, and close coordination across disciplines to deliver a next-generation lunar rover.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Hawthorne, CA.

The pay range for this position is $145000.00 - $235000.00/yr.

Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration Equity ownership in the company Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support 401(k) plan with company match Flexible PTO and parental leave Home office set up reimbursement Fully flexible and remote friendly work environment Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks

This is a fully onsite position in Hawthorne,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $145,000 - $235,000