Owns spacecraft navigation and state-estimation systems across development and operations. Designs and validates Kalman filters, sensor and measurement models, orbit and attitude determination, astrodynamic analyses, covariance studies, and navigation error budgets. Implements C++ flight software, supports SIL/HIL testing, conducts Monte Carlo analyses, generates verification data, and provides real-time operations and anomaly response support for missions in LEO, GEO, and cislunar space.
As a Senior Navigation Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own the state estimation and orbit determination systems that let our vehicles know where they are and where they're going, across all phases of development and operation, while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team. You will design, implement, and validate the navigation filters and sensor-fusion techniques that fly our spacecraft and orbital transfer vehicles in LEO, GEO, and cislunar space, as well as perform astrodynamic analyses required for mission success.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and tune navigation and estimation algorithms (EKF/UKF, batch/sequential estimators) for spacecraft and high-ΔV orbital transfer vehicles.
- Perform spacecraft navigation analyses: orbit determination, attitude determination, astrodynamic trajectories, covariance analysis, and navigation error budgets.
- Develop and validate sensor models and measurement models (IMU, GNSS/GPS, star tracker, optical/relative navigation, radiometric).
- Implement navigation algorithms in flight code (C++) and support SIL/HIL integration and test.
- Run Monte Carlo analysis to characterize navigation performance under dispersed and off-nominal conditions.
- Generate navigation verification data across Impulse's suite of missions.
- Support navigation operations: real-time OD, console support, and anomaly response during critical mission phases.
- Communicate navigation design needs, intent, performance, trades, and risk to the broader engineering team.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, science or related for science
- 5+ years of demonstrated experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, or estimation
- Proficiency in Matlab and C++
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing Kalman filters for rocket or space applications
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience with navigation/astrodynamics tools (FreeFlyer, GMAT, STK, etc.)
- Optical and/or relative navigation experience
- Demonstrated experience in a startup or agile development environment
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.
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