What are the responsibilities and job description for the GNC Engineer II position at Approach Venture?
Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer - Build Autonomous Spacecraft Systems at the Earliest Stage!
Golden, CO | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a venture-backed space startup developing autonomous spacecraft capable of assembling and operating complex structures in orbit. The foundational architecture has been established, and now the focus shifts toward scaling capability, refining algorithms, and driving flight readiness. You will play a pivotal role in advancing control systems, expanding simulation fidelity, and integrating GNC across hardware and flight software. If you are motivated by real spacecraft programs, fast iteration, and meaningful ownership, this opportunity offers hands-on impact from early development through mission execution.
About Us
We are an early-stage space technology company building next-generation in-space assembly platforms designed to unlock new mission architectures across national security and commercial markets. Our team combines deep spacecraft engineering experience with entrepreneurial execution. With strong financial backing and a clear long-term roadmap, we are focused on redefining how complex space systems are deployed and operated.
Job Duties
Salary: $125,000 – $165,000
Golden, CO | On-site
Opportunity Summary
Join a venture-backed space startup developing autonomous spacecraft capable of assembling and operating complex structures in orbit. The foundational architecture has been established, and now the focus shifts toward scaling capability, refining algorithms, and driving flight readiness. You will play a pivotal role in advancing control systems, expanding simulation fidelity, and integrating GNC across hardware and flight software. If you are motivated by real spacecraft programs, fast iteration, and meaningful ownership, this opportunity offers hands-on impact from early development through mission execution.
About Us
We are an early-stage space technology company building next-generation in-space assembly platforms designed to unlock new mission architectures across national security and commercial markets. Our team combines deep spacecraft engineering experience with entrepreneurial execution. With strong financial backing and a clear long-term roadmap, we are focused on redefining how complex space systems are deployed and operated.
Job Duties
- Refine and implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for autonomous spacecraft missions
- Develop and enhance high-fidelity simulation environments for closed-loop validation
- Conduct robustness analysis including Monte Carlo simulations and worst-case scenario evaluation
- Support hardware-in-the-loop testing and contribute to real-time flight software integration
- Collaborate across avionics, propulsion, and systems teams to ensure cohesive subsystem performance
- Translate mission objectives into control system requirements and verification strategies
- Advance modeling of rigid-body and flexible spacecraft dynamics
- Create internal analysis tools that improve validation speed and mission preparedness
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related discipline
- 3 years of professional experience developing aerospace or spacecraft GNC systems
- Strong proficiency in MATLAB and C or similar object-oriented programming languages
- Solid grounding in classical and modern control theory
- Experience building or maintaining simulation frameworks for dynamic systems
- Exposure to embedded systems or flight software environments
- U.S. Person status required due to export-controlled work
- Background in rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking missions
- Experience supporting upper-stage, lander, or autonomous vehicle control systems
- Familiarity with flexible-body modeling or deployable space structures
- Experience with orbital mechanics and related tools such as STK, GMAT, or similar platforms
- Prior experience in a startup or rapid hardware development environment
- Exposure to onboard autonomy or spacecraft decision-making systems
- Early-stage ownership with direct technical impact
- Opportunity to influence system architecture and flight strategy
- Close collaboration with experienced founders and senior engineers
- Exposure to full lifecycle spacecraft development
- Meaningful equity participation
- Career growth in a high-velocity engineering environment
Salary: $125,000 – $165,000
Salary : $125,000 - $165,000