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# Software Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer for Space Applications

- **Company:** The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc
- **Location:** Houston, TX, United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Salary:** $75,000.0 - $156,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Linux, Programming Tools, Embedded Software, Systems Theories, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Real-Time Operating Systems, Simulink, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Technical Data Management Systems, Orbital Mechanics, Modeling and Simulation
- **Published:** October 4, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=2c0ff0d17a6c2762

## About the Role

* Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
 * Proficient in basic software development standards.
 * Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
 * Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
 * Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
 * Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
 * Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
 * Strong background in control systems theory.
 * Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
 * Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
 * Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
 * Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
 * Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
 * Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.

Education

 * Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.

 * Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Experience
3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Additional Job Description:

The applicant will be technically involved in various stages in the life cycle of the project from preliminary mission/system design through mission operations. The applicant should have background in one or more disciplines of spacecraft navigation, guidance, or control software development with specialties in one or more of the following technical disciplines:

 * Linear covariance analysis
 * Space-rated sensor characterization and performance analysis
 * Absolute and relative navigation for space systems using a variety of sensors
 * Trajectory design and optimization
 * Spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics
 * Spacecraft guidance design and analysis
 * Classic and robust control systems theory
 * Spacecraft control design using variety of actuators
 * Flexible body and tank slosh dynamics

Additional qualifications include:

 * 6-DOF spacecraft dynamics modeling and simulation
 * GN&C flight software development and testing - preferably in graphical development environments
 * Experience with NASA Linux-based development frameworks (Trick, Antares, Ramtares, etc.)

## Description

* Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
 * Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
 * Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
 * Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
 * Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
 * Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
 * Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
 * Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
 * Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
 * Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
 * Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
 * Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
 * Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
 * Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
 * Performs other duties as assigned.