Principal GNC Engineer

Company Description

Astroscale U.S. is dedicated to the global Astroscale vision of ensuring the safe and sustainable development of space for future generations.  Astroscale U.S. Inc. is a leading provider of on-orbit servicing solutions — including inspection, transportation, life extension, debris removal and refueling — for the U.S. government and commercial operators around the world. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Astroscale U.S. applies world-class rendezvous, proximity operations and docking capabilities, mission design, policy, and economics expertise to solve the complex challenges our customers face.

Astroscale U.S. Inc. is currently seeking a Principal GNC Engineer to join our team in our Denver, Colorado location. In this role you will design, develop and test guidance, navigation and control systems specifically for rendezvous and proximity operations missions. 

Job Description

• Architect Guidance Navigation and Control systems capable of meeting the mission needs of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) including different flight dynamics trajectory designs 
• Lead the GNC systems development for an Astroscale U.S. program including the design and implementation of the GNC solution (hardware and algorithms) to meet the system requirements and mission needs. 
• Drive system level activities, particularly those influenced by GNC, such as concept of operations (CONOPS), failure, detection, isolation and recovery (FDIR), maneuvers, operator and ground segment interaction, system test and verification. 
• Control law and algorithm development – analyze, design, implement and validate scenarios, including those for RPO. 
• Review and mentor other engineering staff, including providing expert technical feedback, and supporting internal review. 
• Lead and actively participate in customer and supplier meetings. 
• Prepare technical responses to bids, presentation materials and reports. 
• Liaise with customer, supplier staff, and staff from other parts of Astroscale globally. 
• Leverage commercial awareness, and an ability to balance and trade technical, programmatic and commercial risks in the context of commercial projects and products. 

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution. 
• Experienced professional with greater than 12 years’ experience in GNC systems design, engineering and operations. 
• Subject-matter expertise in traditional and optimal control. 
• Experience with physics-based modeling of dynamic systems and Monte Carlo simulation analysis. 
• Knowledge of sensors and actuators and their impact to a GNC system 
• Experience at the front end of a GNC system design and back-end GNC system testing 
• Strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• U.S. citizen with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. 

Additional Information

If you’re passionate about our mission and believe you’d be an outstanding addition to our team, don’t worry about checking every single box—or having a background solely in aerospace or defense. At Astroscale U.S., we’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and open-minded environment. We embrace a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking. If you’re excited about contributing to our work and think you’d thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Salary range: $170,000 – $195,000. The salary range represents the low and high end of the Astroscale U.S. Inc. salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to experience, knowledge, and ability as applicable to the role.

The application deadline is June 14, 2026.

Please note Astroscale U.S. is a U.S. Government registered, export control compliant company, as such applicants should be a U.S. person or U.S. citizen.
Astroscale U.S. Inc. is an E-Verify employer.