Space Technology, Aerospace, Data Analytics

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Ottawa, ONOnsiteFull TimeCA$75,000–CA$110,000 /yrPosted 2 months ago

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Required skills

Spacecraft Systems
Orbit Determination
Maneuver Planning
State Estimation
Sensor Fusion
Kalman Filters
Nonlinear Filters
IMU
Star Tracker
Sun Sensor

Nice to have

Nimble Engineering
Entrepreneurial Approach
First-principles Thinking
Risk Assessment
Decision Making
Spacecraft ADCS

Role summary

Spaceium is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to design algorithms for spacecraft systems. This role involves owning estimation, attitude and orbit determination, and control, translating mathematical concepts to flight software in resource-constrained environments. Responsibilities include designing and implementing GNC algorithms, developing state estimation and sensor fusion, modeling spacecraft dynamics, building simulation environments, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in control theory, linear algebra, and dynamics, with programming experience in Python and/or C/C++, and familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink and version control systems like Git. Experience with spacecraft ADCS, orbital mechanics, and hardware-in-the-loop testing is preferred.

At Spaceium, we are building spacecraft systems designed to push the boundaries of what's possible in orbit. As a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer, you will design the algorithms that let our spacecraft know where they are, decide where to go, and get there precisely. You will own estimation, attitude and orbit determination, and control across the full loop — from math on the whiteboard to flight software running on hardware in high-stakes, resource-constrained environments.

Responsibilities

Design and implement guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft attitude determination and control (ADCS), orbit determination, and maneuver planning

Develop state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman/nonlinear filters) fusing IMU, star tracker, sun sensor, GPS, and other sensor data

Model spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics, and design controllers (e.g., PID, LQR, robust/adaptive) for pointing, station-keeping, and trajectory tracking

Build high-fidelity simulation environments to validate GNC performance across nominal and off-nominal conditions

Implement and test GNC algorithms in flight software, and support hardware-in-the-loop verification

Run Monte Carlo analyses and closed-loop verification to characterize performance, stability, and margins

Collaborate with software, systems, avionics, and operations engineers to integrate GNC into the full vehicle

Support on-orbit operations, commissioning, and anomaly resolution for GNC subsystems

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field

Strong foundation in control theory, linear algebra, and dynamics

Programming experience in Python and/or C/C++

Experience with simulation and analysis tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent Python stacks

Experience with version control systems such as Git

What We're Looking For

We're building technology that hasn't been done before. Experience is helpful, but curiosity, drive, and the ability to learn quickly matter more. If you're excited about spacecraft, enjoy solving hard engineering problems, and want to help build something new, we encourage you to apply — whether you're early in your career or more experienced.

Preferred Skills

Creative problem solver with strong first-principles thinking, capable of assessing risk and making decisions with limited data.

Experience in a nimble, technical engineering role, with a scrappy, entrepreneurial approach to meeting tight time or budget constraints.

Hands-on experience with spacecraft ADCS, orbital mechanics, or trajectory design

Experience implementing estimators or controllers in embedded / flight software

Familiarity with sensor calibration, sensor fusion, and hardware-in-the-loop testing

Experience with real built hardware — student design teams (rocketry, CubeSat, autonomous vehicles), research, or industry

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, collaborative team player, and detail-oriented with a focus on quality.

Additional Requirements

Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones.

This role requires a physical presence at the Ottawa facility.

Compensation

Salary: $75,000 – $110,000 CAD per year

Equity: 0.1% – 0.5%

If you're excited about shaping the future of space systems, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit any projects that you have worked on.

Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Ready to apply?

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