The Mission
Space is the infrastructure layer for humanity's next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires orbital logistics that are as accessible and reliable as commercial aviation. At Lux Aeterna, we're building that future by developing the first fully reusable satellite platform built for reliable reentry, recovery, and rapid redeployment, transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Principal GNC Engineer to own guidance, navigation, and control for Lux Aeterna's reusable satellite platform, from attitude determination and pointing on orbit through the deorbit burn, controlled reentry, and recovery. You will set the GNC architecture, own the simulation and FDIR that prove it, and fly it. This is a unique opportunity to:
- Own GNC for a vehicle that has to come home: orbit, deorbit targeting, reentry, and descent
- Architect the mission planning and concept of operations for orbital and reentry operations
- Serve as technical lead for the GNC engineers as the Delphi platform moves from development into flight operations
- Work directly with technical leadership to shape the future of space transportation
Why Lux Aeterna?
- Pioneering Technology: We're developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability, fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way highway
- Real Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure
- Speed & Autonomy: We maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards
- World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space
The Role
You will own the GNC for our reusable satellite platform.
- Lead simulation development, including high-fidelity 6-DOF dynamics and Monte Carlo environments
- Own Fault Detection, Isolation and Response (FDIR) architecture and guide subsystem responsible engineers in authoring their own FDIR algorithms to autonomously handle anomalies
- Develop real-time estimation techniques such as sensor fusion and extended Kalman filtering
- Build, test, and deploy flight control software for trajectory and pointing operations, validated in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) environments
- Own deorbit targeting and reentry guidance, including landing footprint and dispersion analysis with the aerothermal and mission operations teams
- Support GNC system design, including component selection, architecture, and trade studies
- Lead flight planning, concept of operations, and mission execution strategies, and serve as GNC lead on console for flight
- Reduce ground test data and flight telemetry to refine models and flight software between flights
- Assist in hands-on testing, subassembly integration, and flight validation of spacecraft
- Serve as technical lead for the GNC engineers (no direct reports): set standards, review designs, and mentor; collaborate cross-functionally with software, avionics, propulsion, and mechanical teams
Required Qualifications
- BS in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, Physics, or a related technical field
- 10+ years of experience in GNC for spacecraft or advanced robotics applications, including hands-on work on a flight-proven GNC subsystem
- Proficiency with estimation algorithms including Kalman filters and batch processing techniques
- Experience designing and validating control and guidance algorithms for space systems
- Strong background in simulation environments, including 6-DOF Monte Carlo modeling
- Prior work in hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test environments, integrating GNC software with flight sensors and actuators
- Programming proficiency in Python (NumPy, SciPy) and C++, and version control (Git), with production C++ in a continuous integration environment
- Passion for hands-on engineering and rapid hardware and software integration
Desired Experience
- MS in Aerospace Engineering, Control Systems, Physics, or a related technical field
- Knowledge of orbit determination and trajectory optimization methods
- Reentry or hypersonic vehicle GNC, aerodynamic control effector modeling, or multi-body dynamics modeling
- Rocket Lab MAX Flight Software or comparable modular flight software frameworks
- Familiarity with spacecraft propulsion systems and orbital mechanics for LEO missions
- Experience with robotic manipulators or autonomous vehicle navigation
- Experience with embedded systems and implementing flight software on real-time hardware, including Rust for flight or embedded software
- Exposure to dual-use commercial and government satellite programs
Location & Work
We are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. We are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it. This role will include travel to vendor sites, partner facilities, test facilities, the launch site, and the recovery zone in the run-up to and during flight.
Compensation & Benefits
The anticipated base salary range for this position is $175,000 to $250,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, skills, and job-related responsibilities.
This position is also eligible for equity compensation, as applicable.
Lux Aeterna offers a benefits package of medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and company holidays; and a 401(k) retirement plan.
How and When to Apply
Please apply at https://luxaeterna.applytojob.com/apply
Application Deadline: November 16, 2026
Certain roles may involve access to export-controlled technical data. To comply with U.S. export-control laws, access may be limited to individuals who qualify as a "U.S. person" under 22 C.F.R. §120.62 or who otherwise may lawfully receive such access.
