Vast

Space Exploration

SeniorGNCEngineer

$160–227k Long Beach, California, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.

The Brief

“Senior GNC Engineer at Vast. Skills: CMG-based attitude control, 6DOF simulation. Define ADCS architecture. Develop GNC algorithms”

What You'll Achieve.

Demonstrate pointing performance; Demonstrate flight readiness

Industry & Context.

Space Exploration
Problems you'll solve

Root cause analysis; Troubleshooting

Eligibility Requirements

Able to obtain security clearance

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related technical discipline, 6+ years spacecraft GNC or ADCS development experience, GNC algorithm development experience for spacecraft, Experience with reaction wheels or CMGs, Built and validated 6DOF spacecraft simulations, Pointing budget development and allocation, HITL test environment design and execution, Comfortable working from architecture trades through flight software implementation

Nice to Have

Able to obtain a security clearance, CMG experience, Momentum management for LEO spacecraft, Star tracker and IMU selection / characterization experience, Agile / small-sat GNC development experience, GNC flight software implementation experience

What You'll Do.

Define ADCS architecture

Develop GNC algorithms

Own the pointing budget

Define the simulation strategy

Build and validate 6DOF simulation environment

Define CMG performance requirements

Define sensor performance requirements

Support CMG Rev 1 bring-up

Define and commission HITL lab

Model magnetic field for torque rod sizing

Run Monte Carlo analysis campaigns

Assess flexible body dynamics

Engage with payload customers

Ensure controllability during electric propulsion maneuvers

Support on-orbit commissioning planning

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Engage directly with payload customers; Coordinate with EP team; Feed electronics lead; Feed procurement lead

Full Job Description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us. Vast is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to own guidance, navigation, and control for a new constellation-ready spacecraft bus — a product line designed to scale to hundreds of spacecraft per year. The satellite bus uses a CMG-based attitude control system — four Vast Mini CMGs in a pyramid configuration. ADCS performance is a defining capability of the bus — it's what enables high-power payloads that demand precise pointing and rapid slew. You'll own the GNC algorithms, simulation environment, sensor suite definition, and pointing performance for the satellite. This is end-to-end ADCS ownership: from architecture trades and algorithm development through 6DOF simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and on-orbit commissioning. You'll engage directly with payload customers on pointing and stability requirements, and you'll define the CMG and sensor performance specs that drive hardware development and procurement across the program. This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long B

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