GNC Lead Engineer

About the roleMuon seeks a Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) Lead to join our spacecraft engineering team in Mountain View, CA. The ideal candidate is an experienced and organized leader who has led the technical development of GNC and attitude determination and control (ADCS) systems from concept through to delivery and operation. In this role, you will lead a team to derive pointing/agility/stability budgets and requirements, spec and select ADCS hardware for current and future missions, perform first principles “hand calcs” for rapid judgements alongside execution of detailed simulations, review and develop flight algorithms, and design and execute validation plans at both the system and component levels. You will work closely with simulation teams to perform software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop tests, flight software teams to implement drivers and algorithms, and spacecraft operators to resolve anomalies. Where applicable, you will also coordinate and lead internal efforts to develop ground test equipment and custom flight hardware.This role may be remote or located at our headquarters in Mountain View, California.ResponsibilitiesOversee and manage the team responsible for the GNC design for multiple complete spacecraft mission lifecyclesServe as the primary point of contact for the GNC subsystem both internally and with external partnersDesign foundational GNC architectures and roadmaps for multi-mission buses that are also adaptable to mission-specific needsDefine requirements and acceptance approaches for GNC components working beside Systems Engineers and other subsystem engineers. Create pointing, agility, and positioning budgets to meet mission targeting, geolocation and stability requirementsSize, assess, and select GNC sensors, actuators and propulsion systems, performing make-vs-buy trades as needed. Execute 6-DOF simulations to evaluate expected on-orbit performanceDevelop environmental models as well as control, attitude and position determination, and schedule algorithmsDevelop calibration approaches and associated ground support equipmentDrive software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing for GNC algorithms and hardware verificationProactively identify and manage risks within the subsystem and to the spacecraft, creating mitigation strategiesRequirementsM.S. or higher degree in an engineering field, preferably with exposure to spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanicsDeep knowledge of estimation and control theoryExpertise in common numerical programming environments (Python - preferred, Matlab, JuliaExtensive experience running dynamics simulations for spacecraftExperience designing and executing GNC component or system-level testsExcellent communication, presentation, and coordination skillsDedication to finding resolutions based on the most important factors and dataExcited to work in a fast-paced environment with new opportunities each weekNice-to-have SkillsSoftware skills in C, C++Experience leading lean, agile teamsExperience as a systems engineer for spacecraftExperience with spacecraft or related flight operationsFamiliarity with software engineering tools and processes (version control, code review)Working knowledge of propulsion and impacts to the GNC systemHands-on experience building test setupsSalary RangeThe salary range for this role is $150k and $190k and will depend on a candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience as defined during the interview process.About Muon SpaceFounded in 2021, Muon Space is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider that designs, builds, and operates LEO satellite constellations delivering mission-critical data. Our revolutionary, integrated technology stack enables customers to optimize every dimension of their missions for faster time-to-orbit and superior constellation remote sensing performance. Our state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Silicon Valley is optimized for manufacturing spacecraft and rapid, flexible payload integration at scale. From climate monitoring to national security, Muon Space is dedicated to delivering Earth Intelligence for a safer and more resilient world.Taking Care of Our TeamAt Muon salary is only part of our total compensation package. In addition to salary, we provide equity compensation as well as benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k retirement plan, short & long term disability and life insurance. We also offer three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays, unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.Our mission embraces the entire planet and we believe our team should too.  Muon is dedicated to creating a diverse and dynamic company and workforce. We believe in equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or gender identity. We value diversity in the workplace, and that starts with our applicants. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't check all the boxes, and we look forward to reviewing your application! In addition, if you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.ITAR/EAR RequirementsThis position requires access to export controlled information. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations applicable to that information, applicant must either be (A) a U.S. person, defined as a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, (B) eligible to access the export controlled information without a required export authorization, or (C) eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the required export authorization from the applicable U.S. government agency. The Company may, for legitimate business reasons, decline to pursue any export licensing process.