GNC Controls Engineer

Job ID: 9802
Date Posted: October 14, 2026
Join the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) team, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking innovations! SDL is a University Affiliated Research Corporation that performs cutting edge research and development for the Space Force and associated government agencies, specializing in developing new and untested space-based technologies. We are seeking a GNC Controls Engineer to join our Strategic & Military Space Division and lead the development, test, and deployment of control systems for satellites and space-based components.  The ideal candidate would have experience leading the design of satellite control systems including analysis, requirements derivation, algorithms, electrical, and mechanical, as well as contribute to teams working software, and systems engineering.  This is an opportunity to play a strong technical design and leadership role and oversee controller designs in support of important, space-based US government missions. 
The Strategic & Military Space Division delivers advanced satellite and sensor systems that support the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. Our division is a key component of national security, providing technological solutions and expert mission support. Become part of a team dedicated to making a tangible contribution to our nation’s defense capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:

• Owns the controller component of a major spacecraft subsystem (e.g., Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), propulsion, or gimbaled instruments) on satellites developed by SDL or external vendors
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of the owned component, including its design, functionality, interfaces, and integration within the broader spacecraft system
• Develops, interprets, and manages technical requirements to ensure the component meets mission objectives and overall system requirements
• Oversees controller and associated avionics development activities to ensure compliance with technical requirements, performance expectations, and program objectives.
• Collaborates across engineering disciplines to ensure component designs, interfaces, and implementations meet the rigorous performance and reliability standards required for spaceflight
• Performs design changes and analysis as needed
• Tracks issues using JIRA and works with programs to implement improvements 
• Participates in mission and systems level program reviews providing technical expertise, design assessments, and status updates
• Prepares, reviews and presents technical documentation, including analyses, design documentation, development plans, and other engineering deliverables

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent qualifications and experience
• At least 7 years of experience in controller design and implementation, including a minimum of 4 years of experience serving as a component (i.e., box) owner
• Demonstrated experience designing controllers for aerospace applications
• Experience overseeing the full controller development lifecycle, including algorithms, modeling, electrical design, software development, mechanical design, systems engineering, integration, and checkout
• Experience integrating controllers into larger products or systems as a subsystem-level component
• Experience designing and implementing high bandwidth real time control systems
• Experience developing, documenting, and overseeing the implementation and verification of requirements for controllers and related aerospace systems
• Experience using MATLAB/Simulink for controller design, modeling, simulation, and technical analysis
• Working knowledge of classical spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) principles
• Working knowledge of current hardware technologies and controller design approaches used in space systems
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing, with program management, customers, contractors, and cross-functional engineering teams
• U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain a government security clearance
• Ability to travel occasionally to contractor and customer facilities

• Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) or Controls, or a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a background in aerospace engineering
• At least 10 years of experience in space-based control systems, including a minimum of 5 years of experience serving as a component (i.e., box) owner
• Experience in one or more of the following technical areas:
  • Propulsion
  • Astrodynamics / Orbital Mechanics
  • Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
  • Attitude Dynamics and Controls (ADC)
  • Spacecraft Navigation / Orbit Determination
  • Spacecraft Guidance / Optimization
  • Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Simulation and Test
• Experience with Atlassian tools, including Confluence, JIRA, and Bitbucket
• Knowledge of software implementation on FPGAs
• Experience with software development using C++
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance
• Experience developing controllers for the Department of War (DoW) or other government agencies

• $105,000 - $180,000
  • Salary commensurate on education and relevant experience

This range serves as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as role, level, location, market conditions, and individual qualifications, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. The range displayed in the job advertisement reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries across all US locations. Specific salary details for a candidate’s preferred location can be provided by the recruiter or HR manager during the hiring process.
Why Join SDL?
*SDL offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Visit our Benefits Page to learn more about what we offer.
SDL delivers advanced multi-domain solutions to protect national security and enable scientific discovery. Our expertise in satellites, sensors and instruments, ground systems and data processing, and autonomous systems plays a critical role in missions supporting NASA and the Department of Defense. Join our team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and business professionals in our seventh decade of delivering mission success.
At SDL, we strive to uphold a culture of respect, collaboration, empowerment, and accountability. We listen with open minds, seek to understand diverse perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. We work together by sharing knowledge, involving others, and offering support. We trust and empower our team members to take ownership, act with integrity, and be accountable. Above all, we deliver on our commitments to each other and to our mission partners.
The application window for this position is expected to remain open for approximately 7 days; however, it may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications promptly.