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AstroForge mines asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space and contribute to a more sustainable Earth.
The Role
Design, implement, analyze, and test guidance, navigation, control, and perception algorithms for autonomous deep-space flight software. Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulations, conduct Monte Carlo and hardware-in-the-loop testing, improve flight software reliability, and review engineering contributions. The role requires expertise in spacecraft dynamics, sensor fusion, state estimation, trajectory guidance, control, and 3D rotation mathematics, with onsite work in Seal Beach, California.
Summary Generated by Built In
About the Company
At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Job Description:
As a GNC engineer at AstroForge, you’ll own a large part of the flight algorithms powering the world’s first asteroid mining vehicles. You’ll be part of a talented team of engineers to develop, analyze, and test vehicle algorithms and software for reliable, fault-tolerant flight. You should love to solve hard, multidisciplinary problems, be able to learn quickly, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Responsibilities:
- Design, implement, and test innovative guidance, navigation, control, and perception algorithms in flight software for highly autonomous deep space missions
- Develop 6-DOF dynamics simulation models used for GNC systems analysis and validation
- Help push flight software to the edge in Monte Carlo and Hardware-in-the-loop testing and contribute fixes and performance improvements
- Review algorithms and software contributed by GNC / flight software engineers
Requirements:
- Either:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field with at least 2 years aero or space GNC experience
- A Master’s Degree in a STEM field focusing on dynamics & control
- Experience (incl. internships, full time roles, or projects) designing and implementing algorithms for sensor fusion, state estimation, trajectory guidance, and control
- Well versed in dynamics, linear algebra, and 3D rotation math (rotation matrices, quaternions, eigen-decomposition) as well as spacecraft attitude & orbital dynamics
- Capable of solving complex, novel problems with little to no supervision on schedule as an individual or as a member of an integrated team
- Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA
Preferred Experience:
- Experience operating and/or developing spacecraft
- Experience with optical navigation
- Experience with relative dynamics, rendezvous, and proximity operations
- Experience with IMUs, Star Trackers, Sun Sensors, Reaction Wheels, and other GNC hardware
- Experience implementing GNC algorithms into robust and reliable flight software
- Demonstrated experience in a software engineering environment using software engineering best practices: version control, continuous integration, unit testing
- Experience in a startup environment
Benefits:
- 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
- Vision and FSA benefits available
- 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
- 10 paid Holidays
- Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
- Equity on the ground floor of a startup
Pay Range
- Level 2: $130,000 - $145,000
- Level 3: $142,500 - $182,000
- Level 4: $179,500 - $202,500
- Equity on the ground floor of a startup
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S.,protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least 2 years of aerospace or space GNC experience, or a master's degree in a STEM field focused on dynamics and control
- Experience designing and implementing algorithms for sensor fusion, state estimation, trajectory guidance, and control
- Knowledge of dynamics, linear algebra, 3D rotation mathematics, spacecraft attitude dynamics, and orbital dynamics
- Ability to solve complex problems independently or as part of an integrated team
- Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, California
- Experience operating or developing spacecraft
- Experience with optical navigation
- Experience with relative dynamics, rendezvous, and proximity operations
- Experience with IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, or other GNC hardware
- Experience implementing GNC algorithms into reliable flight software
- Software engineering experience with version control, continuous integration, and unit testing
- Startup experience
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under ITAR, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations
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The Company
What We Do
We mine asteroids to extract platinum group metals (PGMs) in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than the current terrestrial mining methods. PGMs are critical to advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, and sustainable infrastructure, but are rapidly depleting on Earth. Traditional mining for these resources comes at high environmental and financial costs. Extracting these resources from asteroids is more cost-effective and results in zero impact on our planet, contributing to a greener and more profitable Earth. By leveraging advanced technology and innovative engineering, we’re pioneering a pathway to sustainable mining that eliminates the need for extensive land disruption, reduces energy-intensive processes, and significantly lowers carbon emissions.
Why Work With Us
Team members at AstroForge not only contribute to groundbreaking technological advancements but are also empowered to grow personally and professionally. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds and encourage new ideas and experimentation. Here, you’re part of a historic mission to change how the world thinks about our shared future in space.
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