Senior Rendezvous and Docking GNC Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

As a Senior Rendezvous and Docking GNC Engineer, you will have solid understanding of the foundations of the spacecraft proximity operations, rendezvous and docking and safety-related aspects.

You will work on all aspects of the GNC life cycle: spacecraft and mission conceptual design, subsystem requirements development, algorithm development, software implementation and testing, operations, and post-flight analysis.

Key Responsibilities

In your capacity as a Senior Rendezvous and Docking GNC Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but your day-to-day duties will include:

• Participating in the design of the AOCS/GNC for rendezvous and docking.

• Implementing the GNC code into the Flight Software.

• Validating and verifying your GNC software via algorithm unit testing, Monte Carlo analysis, software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

• Owning and advancing complex work packages of the rendezvous and docking GNC development.

• Performing multi-disciplinary spacecraft systems trades to improve The Exploration Company’ spacecraft performance and reliability.

• Developing high-fidelity 6 degrees-of-freedom models and running simulations to analyze the system performance.

• Performing design, optimization, and dispersion analysis.

• Participating in AOCS/GNC hardware specification, selection, modeling and simulation.

• Developing software automation tools for GNC design, analysis, testing and reporting.

• Reporting test and analysis results, with a focus on efficiency and automation of documentation.

• Leading or contributing to proposal preparations.

What we would love to see from you

In the role of GNC Engineer ideally, you will have the following:

• MSc. in Aerospace or related engineering discipline. A higher degree is considered advantageous.

• +5 years of GNC engineering experience. Previous roles should reflect hands-on experience with proximity operations, rendezvous and docking GNC.

• Strong understanding of classical dynamics, orbital and flight mechanics.

• Strong understanding of control and estimation techniques.

• Experience with flight physics simulation.

• Software development experience in C++, Python and MATLAB/Simulink.

• Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.

• Highly motivated to work autonomously in a fast-pace, demanding start-up environment.

• Fluent in English. German or French is an asset.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.