Senior GNC Engineer (Spacecraft) at Inversion Space

Los Angeles, California, United States

Inversion Space Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Aerospace, SpaceIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
  • Typically 9+ years of applicable experience (Senior) or 6+ years of applicable experience (Level III) in spacecraft GNC analysis or development
  • Experience with systems engineering for attitude, determination, and control systems (including requirements definition, system trades, etc.)
  • Experience with a LEO spacecraft program from conception to operation
  • Strong fundamental understanding of spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics
  • Experience with component calibration and alignment as well as vehicle-level integration and test practices
  • Experience with spacecraft estimation and control algorithms
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C++
  • Ability to think creatively to optimize systems and solve complex problems
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Capable of working in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment

Responsibilities

  • Work with other disciplines to determine Arc’s on-orbit power, communications, thermal, and station-keeping requirements and feasibility
  • Architect the vehicle’s sensor and actuator selection and placement in addition to the vehicle’s core pointing modes
  • Design and implement Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms for satellite deployment and operations
  • Perform orbital mechanics analyses to trade constellations and trajectories
  • Collaborate closely with avionics teams for component integration and calibration
  • Explore mission design concepts for orbital deltaV maneuvers
  • Lead technical discussions and contribute to the overall mission architecture for satellite deployment and operation
  • Operate with significant autonomy

Skills

MATLAB
Python
C++
spacecraft dynamics
orbital mechanics
GNC algorithms
estimation algorithms
control algorithms
systems engineering

Inversion Space

Develops low-cost re-entry vehicles for cargo

About Inversion Space

Inversion Space develops re-entry vehicles that are designed to return cargo and resources from space at a low cost and with high frequency. Their vehicles enable the safe return of various types of cargo from low-earth orbit and beyond, making the process of returning from space as routine as launching into it. This company serves clients in the space exploration and commercial space sectors, generating revenue through service contracts and partnerships with space agencies and private companies. Inversion Space differentiates itself by focusing on the efficiency and reliability of its re-entry solutions, which are essential for the sustainability and growth of space operations.

Torrance, CaliforniaHeadquarters
2021Year Founded
$121.6MTotal Funding
SERIES_ACompany Stage
AerospaceIndustries
51-200Employees

Risks

Competition from SpaceX and Blue Origin may limit market share.
Potential regulatory hurdles could delay operations and increase costs.
Reliance on SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission poses risk if launch issues occur.

Differentiation

Inversion Space focuses on affordable, high cadence re-entry vehicles for cargo return.
The company aims to make space return as common as space launch.
Inversion Space develops in-house technology for re-entry vehicles, enhancing cost efficiency.

Upsides

Inversion raised $44 million to advance re-entry vehicle development.
Awarded $71M by SpaceWERX for next-gen autonomous re-entry vehicles.
Growing demand for re-entry solutions aligns with Inversion's focus on affordable vehicles.

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