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Engineering
Bothell, WA
Full-time
On-Site
Senior Satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer
Send your cover letter and resume to info@portalsystems.space with the email subject: Senior Structural Engineer — Spacecraft Systems
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer with significant experience in spacecraft and satellite development, including hands-on expertise in avionics integration and mission planning. This role requires a deep understanding of control theory, sensor fusion, and high-fidelity simulation for real-time aerospace applications.
About Portal
Portal Space Systems is on a mission to expand humanity’s freedom of movement in space. We’re building the spacecraft that makes that mission possible.
From our Bothell, WA headquarters, we design vehicles with the maneuverability, resilience, and adaptability needed for the next era of orbital operations. Every system we build is in service of a simple idea: space should be more accessible, responsive, and capable.
Joining Portal means stepping into a team that believes in bold engineering, fast iteration, and the power of small groups to change what’s possible. If you want your work to directly shape the future of in-space mobility, join us.
From our Bothell, WA headquarters, we design vehicles with the maneuverability, resilience, and adaptability needed for the next era of orbital operations. Every system we build is in service of a simple idea: space should be more accessible, responsive, and capable.
Joining Portal means stepping into a team that believes in bold engineering, fast iteration, and the power of small groups to change what’s possible. If you want your work to directly shape the future of in-space mobility, join us.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and validate GNC algorithms with a focus on precise pointing and stability control using linear control methods.
- Perform high-fidelity simulations, modeling, and analysis of guidance, navigation, and control systems.
- Lead avionics integration efforts, including sensor calibration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and flight software validation.
- Support mission planning, trajectory design, and optimization of spacecraft pointing performance.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including software engineers, avionics specialists, and mission planners.
- Conduct system performance assessments, stability analysis, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Develop and document technical specifications, interface control documents, and system architecture designs.
- Provide hands-on support for integration and testing of flight hardware and software.
- Collaborate with partner organizations on satellite development.
- Mentor junior GNC engineers.
What You Bring to Portal
- Experience with real-time embedded software development and flight software implementation.
- Familiarity with Kalman filtering, guidance laws, and autonomous navigation techniques.
- Previous experience in mission operations and post-launch analysis.
- Knowledge of spacecraft communication protocols and fault detection systems.
- Hands-on experience with integration and test campaigns for space missions.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in spacecraft and satellite GNC development.
- Expertise in precise pointing control using linear control methods.
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C/C++ for simulation and algorithm development.
- Experience with avionics integration, including working with IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, magnetorquers, GPS receivers, and reaction wheels.
- Deep understanding of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and trajectory optimization.
- Experience with high-fidelity simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
- Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and regulations.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Preferred Skills & Experience
ITAR Statement
This position may involve access to technical data and defense-related materials controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
Eligibility to access ITAR-controlled items requires that candidates be U.S. persons, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other protected individuals as defined by U.S. law.
Employment is contingent upon verification of ITAR eligibility and, where applicable, obtaining any required export authorization or license.
Eligibility to access ITAR-controlled items requires that candidates be U.S. persons, which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other protected individuals as defined by U.S. law.
Employment is contingent upon verification of ITAR eligibility and, where applicable, obtaining any required export authorization or license.
Equal Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual.
Send your cover letter and resume to careers@portalsystems.space with the email subject: Senior Satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer Application
careers@portalsystems.space