Develop GNC algorithm documentation and work with vehicle software team to convert prototypes into flight code, including supporting unit and integrated testing of flight implementations. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Hawthorne, California (Remote)
Salary
$130,000–$235,000 Per Year
Description
Description
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
As a GNC engineer at Astrolab, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithms for our lunar rover fleet. You will support development and maturation of GNC for crewed, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous rover operations. GNC engineers own hardware selection and characterization, algorithm development and tuning, algorithm and integrated performance analysis, and verification and validation for the GNC subsystem. You will work with simulated environment as well as test vehicles to design, mature, and prove GNC functionality and performance.
Note: Some travel may be required for this position
What you'll do:
Define GNC subsystem and algorithm requirements
Design, analyze, develop, tune, verify, and validate rover GNC algorithms and support conversion of algorithm prototypes into FSW
Contribute to the development of the GNC simulation
Work with avionics and other engineering teams to select GNC sensors such as IMUs, star trackers, cameras, LiDARs, etc.
Support GNC sensor characterization, calibration, and testing
Support development of integrated hardware/software GNC subsystem testbeds
Develop GNC algorithm documentation and work with vehicle software team to convert prototypes into flight code, including supporting unit and integrated testing of flight implementations
Work with vehicle software team, avionics team, mobility team, and integration and test team to verify GNC subsystem implementation and performance
Support field testing of GNC software using test vehicles in a variety of lighting and terrain conditions
Develop GNC analysis and test plans and perform GNC analysis and testing on hardware in the loop testbeds
Support vehicle integration and testing of GNC functions
Develop vehicle level calibration plans and support vehicle level calibrations
What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
3+ years of professional experience developing Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems
Experience with Python and familiarity with C++
Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing path planning, obstacle avoidance, or similar algorithms
Experience designing, tuning, and testing Extended Kalman Filters for vehicle state estimation.
Experience designing, tuning, and testing vehicle control algorithms (e.g., high-gain antenna pointing)
Experience building, testing, and validating GNC simulation tools
Experience performing GNC performance analysis, including Monte Carlo analysis
Experience supporting GNC development from initial concept through flight operations
Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams to mature GNC designs into flight software
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
Benefits and Perks
Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
Equity ownership in the company
Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
401(k) plan with company match
Flexible PTO and parental leave
Home office set up reimbursement
Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks