Develop and validate flight control algorithms for spacecraft, focusing on GNC simulations and flight software implementation. Analyze flight data and ensure vehicle performance.
At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.
Vast is looking for a Staff GNC Engineer reporting to the Vice President, Flight Dynamics & GNC, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain and expand high fidelity GNC simulation architecture.
- Develop and validate additional models for GNC simulations, including hardware-in-the-loop testing.
- Design, implement and validate GNC flight software.
- Develop control laws to meet vehicle performance and stability margin requirements.
- Support flight activities and analyze flight performance data.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline.
- 10+ years of experience.
- Excellent C/C++ programming skills.
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Master’s degree or PhD in a STEM discipline.
- Python programming skills.
- Excellent communication, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in orbital mechanics as well as attitude dynamics and control.
- Experience using linear control principles and tools to design feedback control systems.
- Experience analyzing non-linear simulations of closed-loop dynamics.
- Working knowledge of outer loop control law performance requirements.
- Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data.
- Experience using Simulink to model dynamic systems.
Pay Ranges:
- Staff GNC Engineer: $185,000 - $240,000
- Principal GNC Engineer: $215,000 - $280,000
Salary Range: California
$185,000—$280,000 USD
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, ClassPass credits, personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.
U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Top Skills
C
C++
Matlab
Python
Simulink
Vast Long Beach, California, USA Office
2851 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA, United States, 90755
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