At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of groundbreaking spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control systems.
- Company: Innovative aerospace company at the forefront of next-generation spacecraft technologies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity opportunities, comprehensive health coverage, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Join a rapidly growing organisation with significant career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of space operations and take ownership of pioneering projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in GNC engineering with experience in spacecraft development and flight software.
Location: El Segundo, California, USA
Salary: $165,000 - $215,000 per annum + bonus + equity + benefits
Sector: Space Systems / Aerospace Engineering
Alexander Associates are partnering with an innovative aerospace company developing next-generation spacecraft technologies. We are seeking an experienced Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to lead the development of a first-of-its-kind spacecraft platform and play a critical role in shaping the future of space operations. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of the complete GNC subsystem lifecycle, from concept development and architecture design through verification, flight software implementation, testing, launch support, and mission operations. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team and drive the development of advanced spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control capabilities for a truly groundbreaking space platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary GNC engineering team
- Architect and develop a novel GNC system for an advanced spacecraft platform
- Own the full GNC subsystem development lifecycle from concept through flight operations
- Define and manage GNC subsystem requirements and interface specifications
- Design and implement advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for flight software applications
- Work closely with subcontractors and external partners to develop and integrate GNC hardware and software solutions
- Perform component selection, trade studies, and hardware evaluations for GNC systems
- Lead subsystem-level Verification & Validation (V&V) activities
- Develop and execute Monte Carlo simulations, modelling, and performance analyses
- Support and conduct Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing and system integration activities
- Develop and contribute to mission operations and constellation management tools
- Support internal and customer-facing technical reviews and programme milestones
- Work closely with senior leadership to manage programme schedules, technical risks, and deliverables
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Minimum 5 years of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineering experience
- Experience supporting spacecraft and satellite development programmes
- Experience across the full project lifecycle from concept development through operations
- Experience developing and validating GNC algorithms and flight software
- Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing experience
- Experience working across multiple engineering disciplines to deliver complex systems
- Customer-facing experience within commercial aerospace, defence, or government programmes
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance
Desirable Experience
- Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or a related field
- Experience with spacecraft flight software frameworks such as NASA cFS, F´ (F Prime), or similar architectures
- Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience
- Interface Control Document (ICD) development and management
- Advanced spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) expertise
- Experience with mission analysis, simulation environments, and autonomous spacecraft operations
- Strong leadership and team development experience
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
What's on Offer
- Equity participation opportunities
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Generous holiday allowance and company holiday schedule
- Health and wellness stipend
- Commuter benefits
- Opportunity to work on a pioneering spacecraft programme at the forefront of the commercial space sector
- Significant technical ownership and leadership responsibility
- Career progression within a rapidly growing aerospace organisation
If you are an experienced GNC Engineer looking to lead the development of next-generation spacecraft systems and contribute to truly innovative space missions, we would love to hear from you.
Principal GNC Engineer in Scotland employer: Alexander Associates
Join an innovative aerospace company in El Segundo, California, where you will lead the development of groundbreaking spacecraft technologies as a Principal GNC Engineer. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will enjoy comprehensive benefits including equity participation, performance bonuses, and a generous holiday allowance, all within a collaborative work culture that values technical ownership and leadership. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of space operations while advancing your career in a rapidly growing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal GNC Engineer in Scotland
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Alexander Associates for a Principal GNC Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal GNC Engineer in Scotland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Alexander Associates, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Alexander Associates, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Associates
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Alexander Associates.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Alexander Associates. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Alexander Associates love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
