> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2718841-principal-guidance-navigation-and-control-gnc-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2718841-principal-guidance-navigation-and-control-gnc-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer

- **Company:** The Apex
- **Location:** Los Angeles, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Algorithm Design, JIRA, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Monte Carlo Methods, Simulation Software, System Software, Apex Code
- **Published:** September 4, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/principal-spacecraft-gnc-engineer-apex-technology-inc-8080618

## About the Role

* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, advanced degrees preferred
 * 15+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
 * 5+ years of industry experience developing/operating spacecraft/satellites
 * Prior experience leading a team of three or more direct reports
 * Prior experience directly interfacing with aerospace customers in the commercial or government sectors
 * Experience in Jira planning and workflow
 * Hands-on experience with IMU, reaction wheels, star trackers, gyroscopes, and other GNC hardware
 * Experience developing blended attitude solutions from a variety of sensor data
 * Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and verifying flight software
 * Demonstrated experience with spacecraft on-orbit operations and anomaly resolution
 * Prior experience leading a team across a project lifecycle
 * Prior experience working multiple projects simultaneously and determining priorities for a team
 * Experience with GNC-related Business Development or conceptual design work

## Description

The Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer is responsible for leading GNC development for Apex's growing fleet of spacecraft platforms. You will demonstrate a firm grasp of spacecraft GNC concepts and applications. You will work with all facets of the engineering life cycle: spacecraft concept and algorithm development, flight software implementation, subsystem requirements development, detailed GNC design, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T. You will be responsible for planning and maintaining the development schedule to support the Space Systems Control Software organization in executing leading edge programs and products. You will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Avionics, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. You will also directly interact with customers to ensure mission success., * Lead architect responsible for GNC design, modeling, and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include LEO, MEO, GEO, and RPOD

 * Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation product
 * Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for constellation management
 * GNC component selection and GNC subsystem design
 * Test process development and execution
 * Define fault detection and response
 * Hardware-in-the-loop and Monte Carlo simulation
 * Integration of flight and simulation software with modern analysis, test, and operations tools
 * Support internal and external design reviews
 * Work with department leads and program managers to plan and maintain team schedule and milestones and report technical status


## Related Videos

- [Flexibility is Key: Unlocking the Advantages of Versatile Software Solutions for Strategic Innovatio](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1943-flexibility-is-key-unlocking-the-advantages-of-versatile-software-solutions-for-strategic-innovatio)
- [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray)
- [From Global Capability Centers to AI-Powered Command Centers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100096-from-global-capability-centers-to-ai-powered-command-centers)
- [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks)
- [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies)
- [Architecture Communication Canvas](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/674-architecture-communication-canvas)

## Related Articles

- [Everything a Developer Needs to Know About MCP with Neo4j](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/604-everything-a-developer-needs-to-know-about-mcp-with-neo4j)
- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence)
- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)
- [What is Agentic Programming and Why Should Developers Care?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/625-what-is-agentic-programming-and-why-should-developers-care)