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# GNC Software Engineer

- **Company:** Xona Space Systems
- **Location:** United States
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Code Generation, Computer Engineering, Software Debugging, Linux, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Regression Testing, Software Engineering, Systems Integration, State Machines, Reliability of Systems, SC Clearance, Software Version Control
- **Published:** November 11, 2026
- **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/gnc-software-engineer-xona-space-systems-10737060

## About the Role

· 2+ years of professional experience developing GNC software for spacecraft, UAVs, or other autonomous platforms

· Hands-on experience implementing and testing estimators, controllers, and state machines

· Experience with model-based software development and automatic code generation using MATLAB/Simulink

· Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink

· Experience developing unit tests, regression tests, and debugging software in simulation or embedded environments

· Proficiency with Git version control and Linux-based development environments, · Bachelor's or Master's in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering

· Experience implementing FDIR strategies and autonomous mode management using state machines

· Hands-on experience with software- and hardware-in-the-loop (SIL/HIL) simulation environments

· Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and automated software testing

· Understanding of spacecraft attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), including sensors, actuators, and onboard estimation and control algorithms.

For U.S. Roles: To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

For U.K. Roles: To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

## Description

We are seeking a GNC Software Engineer to join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team. In this role, you will develop, integrate and validate flight software that enables autonomous operation of spacecraft. You'll work closely with GNC and Flight Software engineers to deploy estimators, controllers, and state machines in real-time flight environments, supporting missions from simulation through on-orbit or in-flight operation.

What You'll Do

· Develop and integrate GNC algorithms using model-based development processes

· Implement state machines and FDIR (Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery) logic for robust autonomous operations

· Develop and maintain GNC software interfaces within the flight software architecture

· Design, implement, and maintain software- and hardware-in-the-loop (SIL/HIL) test campaigns to validate GNC performance and reliability

· Develop unit tests and regression tests to ensure software reliability

· Collaborate with simulation, hardware, and Flight Software teams to support end-to-end GNC system integration and validation