Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Engineer

Job description

Company Overview Fortastra designs and delivers resilient, high-performance spacecraft that safeguard critical orbital assets and ensure freedom of action in space. We integrate advanced autonomy, sensing, and control into systems engineered for reliability, speed, and scale. Our culture values simplicity, accountability, and disciplined execution — empowering every engineer to think systemically, act decisively, and build with purpose. Aggressive innovation. Disciplined execution. Strength among the stars. We recently closed a $30M Series A to build the future of on-orbit security and we’re just getting started! Our Engineering Team You will join Fortastra’s Engineering Division, responsible for the design, development, and test of flight systems across our autonomous spacecraft portfolio. The Role Fortastra is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to architect, implement, and validate flight-critical algorithms supporting autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations (RPO), formation flying, and precision maneuvering. The ideal candidate combines deep technical rigor in control theory, state estimation, and orbital mechanics with hands-on experience integrating algorithms into embedded flight software and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) environments. Key Responsibilities Design, implement, and tune GNC algorithms for relative motion, formation flying, and autonomous RPO. Develop and validate attitude determination and control systems (ADCS) and orbit determination filters. Model and simulate orbital dynamics, spacecraft trajectories, and environmental disturbances. Perform state estimation and sensor fusion using IMUs, GPS, star trackers, LiDAR, and optical navigation sensors. Integrate GNC algorithms into embedded flight software (C/C++ and Python) and test in HIL and flight-like environments. Conduct Monte Carlo analysis and performance verification under uncertainty and failure scenarios. Collaborate with systems, avionics, and autonomy teams to deliver mission-ready architectures. Qualifications & Skills B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or related discipline. 5+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or autonomous system GNC. Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++. Demonstrated experience with Kalman filtering, nonlinear control, and state estimation. Proven ability to transition algorithms from simulation to flight in operational environments. Work 5 days on-site in Torrance, CA U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain or have an active TS/SCI clearance Why Fortastra We are a small, high-impact team building the next generation of autonomous orbital control systems for national security space. At Fortastra, leaders own outcomes from first principles through flight and directly shape the future of resilient, mission-critical spacecraft autonomy. FORTASTRA TALENT & CULTURE PRINCIPLES Values Driven by First Principles We value engineers and operators who prioritize sound judgment, candor, technical rigor, bias for action, and intellectual honesty over corporate consensus. We care about the caliber of the system you build and the speed at which you solve problems. Talent Density Over Headcount A high-performing startup is built on dense talent, not organizational bloat. A single exceptional engineer designs, tests, and delivers faster than a bloated committee. We intentionally maintain a lean, elite engineering crew where every contributor directly moves the needle on the mission. High Autonomy, High Ownership We hire domain experts to execute, not to micromanage them. You own your systems end-to-end, from initial architecture and hardware design to testing and deployment. With absolute ownership comes the responsibility to deliver mission critical reliability. Mission Context Over Bureaucracy The best execution happens when teams are provided clear technical objectives, constraints, and operational context, rather than rigid top-down policies. We strip away red tape so builders can iterate, make decisions, and push hardware and flight software forward rapidly. Disciplined Speed & Flight Rigor We move fast because we test often and kill artificial bottlenecks, not because we cut corners. Rapid iteration on the test stand and in simulation is how we learn; an uncompromising flight-readiness bar is how we earn trust. Precision without friction, speed without recklessness. Direct Impact, Not Career Bureaucracy You don’t come to Fortastra to climb a corporate ladder or manage slide decks; you come to build complex, flight-ready systems from day one. Growth here is organic, driven by the magnitude of technical challenges you solve and the trust you build across the team. Benefits We take care of our employees so they can focus on what matters most: family, well-being, and life outside of work. Unlimited Paid Time Off so that you have the time you need to rest and recharge. Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, because peace of mind starts with feeling cared for. Equity: Share in Fortastra's success with equity in the company you're helping build. 401(k): A 401(k) plan to help you invest in your future and plan for what's ahead. Social Events: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities that make this a place people are glad to be part of. The pay range for this role is $180,000.00 - $280,000.00. Where an offer falls within that range depends on factors like your qualifications, experience, location, and interview performance, which we weigh against the market rate for the position. Recruiters & Agencies: Fortastra does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from recruiters, agencies, or third parties. Any candidate submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization from Fortastra will not be subject to any fee, and no relationship is implied. Please do not contact Fortastra employees, hiring managers, or recruiting team directly.