At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.
Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting a Commercial Space contract. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of a Commercial Space project.
Relative Dynamics is seeking a GN&C Engineer to support the lunar mission portfolio for a Commercial Space customer. This is a hybrid role requiring regular on-site work in either Houston, TX or Glen Burnie, MD. This role is not eligible for remote work.
What You’ll Get to Do:
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Contribute to the design, development, and testing of the GNC system for a lunar satellite mission
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Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across software and hardware systems
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Develop, test, and peer review GNC flight software in C and C++
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Support the selection, assessment, and integration of GNC sensors and effector systems
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Execute and analyze 6-DOF simulations to evaluate expected on-orbit performance
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Support navigation HWIL sensor and effector integration and testing for the lunar mission
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Assist in real-time flight software development, integration, and testing for the satellite.
What You’ll Need:
Required & Desired Skills
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BS or MS in Aerospace Engineering or related field with 3–7 years of relevant experience
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Experience developing and implementing Kalman Filters
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Experience with real-time software development
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Familiarity with GN&C hardware including IMU, Star Trackers, GPS, LIDAR, and/or OpNav systems
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Experience with SWIL and/or HWIL testing and integration
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Exposure to relative navigation, image processing, or feature detection techniques
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Experience supporting flight control analysis and evaluating vehicle performance and stability
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Proficiency in C, C++, and/or Python
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Experience with GN&C sensor testing, planning, or modeling
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Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team environment
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Foundational knowledge of spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics
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Experience with JIRA and Agile development processes
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Familiarity with VxWorks or other real-time operating systems is a plus
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Experience with Git version control preferred
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Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills
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Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and effectively
Required & Desired Experience
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Hands-on experience with navigation sensor hardware, Kalman filtering, LIDAR, real-time software, Monte Carlo analysis, and C/C++ or Python
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Experience contributing to GNC development efforts on spacecraft or satellite programs
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Prior experience working with or supporting satellite systems
Who You Are:
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Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders
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Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards
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Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments
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Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects
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Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success
What You'll Enjoy:
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Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact
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Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.
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Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities
Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field
- 3–7 years of relevant experience
- Experience developing and implementing Kalman filters
- Experience with real-time software development
- Familiarity with GN&C hardware, including IMUs, star trackers, GPS, LIDAR, or optical navigation systems
- Experience with SWIL or HWIL testing and integration
- Experience supporting flight control analysis and evaluating vehicle performance and stability
- Proficiency in C, C++, or Python
- Experience with GN&C sensor testing, planning, or modeling
- Foundational knowledge of spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team environment
- Experience with JIRA and Agile development processes
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills
- Hands-on experience with navigation sensor hardware, Kalman filtering, LIDAR, real-time software, Monte Carlo analysis, and C/C++ or Python
- Experience contributing to GNC development efforts on spacecraft or satellite programs
- Prior experience working with or supporting satellite systems
- Exposure to relative navigation, image processing, or feature detection techniques
- Familiarity with VxWorks or another real-time operating system
- Experience with Git version control
What We Do
Relative Dynamics Inc. is an aerospace think tank providing specialized and innovative solutions to government and private sectors. They specialize in satellite communications, astrodynamics, systems engineering, and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC). The company focuses on cutting-edge optical communication technologies and space-related research and development, leveraging a first-principles approach to push the boundaries of engineering models and technology development in the space industry.
