GNC Engineer

Oligo is building a manufacturing-in-the-loop foundation model to automate spacecraft design and production worldwide. Our approach allows customers to focus entirely on their own technology and mission objectives, while we handle everything, from design and manufacturing to launch and operations. Leveraging cutting edge AI-driven generative design and automated manufacturing, our ex-MIT, Harvard, and NASA JPL team work to create the most advanced payload-specific spacecraft at scale in weeks over months.

With world‑class advisors on our board, and fresh funding from top investors like Lux Capital, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional builders, fast learners, and ambitious engineers. Whether your passion lies in spacecraft systems, avionics, ML/AI, or advanced manufacturing, you’ll be collaborating across disciplines on real missions that fly, perform in orbit, and scale internationally.

We pair world-class AI/ML talent with top-tier satellite engineers under one roof to reimagine how space systems are built, starting from first principles. No bureaucracy. No legacy thinking.

If you think you’re a fit, we are extremely excited to meet you.

Role Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to join our fast-paced and mission-driven aerospace team. In this role, you will be at the forefront of developing autonomous flight capabilities for spacecraft-designing and implementing algorithms for attitude control, collision avoidance, atmospheric reentry, and more. You'll contribute across the full lifecycle of space missions, from concept design to on-orbit operations, working with a cross-functional team of engineers to build high-fidelity simulations, optimize trajectories, and integrate cutting-edge GNC software and hardware. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in flight mechanics, control systems, and simulation, with experience in both system development and real-world flight operations. If you thrive in multidisciplinary environments and are passionate about pushing the boundaries of spaceflight, we’d love to meet you.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC algorithms for autonomous attitude control, reentry, collision avoidance, orbital maneuvers, and rendezvous operations.

• Develop and maintain high-fidelity 6-DOF simulations using C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink to model spacecraft dynamics and control behavior.

• Perform trajectory design, optimization, and Monte Carlo dispersion analysis for mission-critical events.

• Integrate and test GNC software, sensors, and actuators in hardware-in-the-loop environments to validate performance.

• Build and support ground tools for automated maneuver planning, scheduling, and execution decision-making.

• Monitor on-orbit system performance and troubleshoot anomalies across guidance, navigation, and control subsystems.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, software, test) and coordinate with external partners including U.S. government and third-party space operators.

• Apply Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Multi-Disciplinary techniques to optimize GNC system design across cost, risk, and performance metrics.

• Support the full lifecycle of GNC development including concept design, prototyping, integration, test, review, and operations.

• Stay current with advancements in GNC technologies and contribute to technical documentation, safety reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop test procedures and system documentation for other teams to use.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. degree in aerospace, mechanical, robotics, electrical engineering, physics, or related field that has a focus on dynamics and control.

• 3+ years of proven experience, or PhD with relevant experience

• Strong software and model development skills, particularly in C++/Python

• Proficiency with GNC simulation tools like Simulink and MATLAB

• Understanding of orbital mechanics, modeling and simulation, and software development

• Experience in implementing first principles models to test data or high-fidelity external simulations

• Proven system engineering and configuration management skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong skillset in project management

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with a focus on risk management and performance tradeoffs.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable working both independently and on interdisciplinary teams.

• Must love quaternions

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (Ph.D. is a plus).

• Strong foundation in flight mechanics, dynamics, and control theory.

• Deep understanding of multi-body dynamics, flexible body dynamics, gas dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.

• Hands-on experience with spacecraft attitude determination and control system (ADCS) design.

• Proven track record developing and validating physical models for control design, component sizing, and performance analysis.

• Experience supporting safety-critical flight tests or space missions.

• Proficiency with tools such as GMAT, POST2, STK or similar mission planning and analysis tools.

• Experience with direct/indirect trajectory optimization methods using tools like GPOPS-II, DIDO, Dymos, CasADi, or IPOPT.

• Familiarity with generating C/C++ code from MATLAB/Simulink models.

• Skilled in using version control and issue tracking tools like Git, GitHub/GitLab, and Jira.

• Knowledge of agile and Lean product development methodologies (e.g., Scrum).

• Experience in end-to-end GNC architecture development, testing, and integration.

• Familiarity with industry and safety standards applicable to spaceflight and aerospace systems.

Pay Range

• Salary range: $130,000 - $184,000 / per year.

• This role is on-site in Hawthorne, CA

Benefits

• Equity

• Unlimited PTO

• Medical (Platinum coverage), Vision, & Dental Insurance

• Catering provided on-site everyday.

Additional Information

You may be eligible for our suite of benefits including medical, vision & dental coverage.