General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Whether a specific satellite for a specific mission or a constellation of interconnected spacecraft, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is re-defining how customers can access the possibilities of space. GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed with a history of operational flight experience to support defense, civil, commercial, and academic mission requirements.

The GA-EMS Space Systems team is looking for a Satellite Guidance Navigation and Controls (GNC) Engineer to support our small satellite development programs in Centennial, CO.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for satellite guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solutions and attitude determination and control (ADCS) subsystem design through all stages of design integration, test and operations.

• Conduct trades studies for sizing, specification and selection of spacecraft GNC hardware including reaction wheel and torque rod sizing, sensor noise and performance characteristics, redundancy and fault management.

• Provide Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals knowledge and applicability to satellite GNC and wider applications.

• Develop high fidelity GNC/attitude control algorithms.

• Establish, maintain and execute satellite altitude control simulation software.

• Analyze the stability and robustness of GNC algorithms using control theory and Monte Carlo simulations.

• Support program design and readiness reviews.

• Provide inputs to program schedules and provides status for all subsystem development tasks.

• Supports operation of engineering systems and documents any problems.

• Opportunities will arise to support internal development and new business opportunities.

• Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.

• Troubleshoot conflicting design/development requirements, difficult coordination requirements, and special material requirements.

• Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required.

• May represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small contracts or single component projects.

• Provides direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.

• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years of experience with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.

• Must have prior experience in space domain and satellite segment design.

• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and, expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.

• Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.

• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and, lead a team of moderately experienced professional employees on single component projects.