Senior GNC Engineer

About the role

Benchmark Space Systems seeks a Senior GNC Engineer to develop and ship guidance, navigation, and control software for spacecraft propulsion systems. This on‑site position in Pleasanton, CA focuses on algorithm implementation, hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation, and establishing GNC engineering standards.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement GNC flight algorithms for chemical and electric propulsion, including burn execution, thrust estimation, and trajectory correction.
• Own the GNC code base: architecture, configuration management, reviews, and verification evidence.
• Develop 6‑DOF simulation capability and perform stability analysis of control loops.
• Define and execute hardware‑in‑the‑loop test campaigns with fault injection and pass/fail criteria.
• Support mission design reviews with pointing budgets, error models, and dispersion results.
• Mentor engineers on GNC best practices and contribute to codebase evolution.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics or related field.
• 5+ years of GNC experience on space vehicles, with end‑to‑end ownership of algorithms.
• U.S. Person status required; no visa sponsorship available.

Required skills

• Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and model‑based design.
• Experience with flight software frameworks (cFS, F´) and real‑time operating systems.
• Solid foundation in control theory, stability analysis, and spacecraft dynamics.
• Hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing and validation expertise.
• Programming in C or Rust.
• Familiarity with astrodynamics tools such as GMAT, STK, or FreeFlyer.

What we offer

• Health, vision, dental, life, AD&D and disability insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible schedule and unlimited vacation.