Own optical navigation algorithms and flight software for lunar landers across development and mission operations. Design and validate terrain-relative navigation, sensor fusion, navigation filters, spacecraft orbit and attitude determination, and vision-based localization. Implement C++ flight code, conduct simulation, SIL/HIL, Monte Carlo, and verification testing, and support real-time navigation operations and anomaly response. Communicate navigation designs, performance, risks, and tradeoffs to engineering teams.
As a Senior Optical Navigation Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own the onboard optical navigation algorithms and software for our lunar lander across all phases of development and operation, while working in a fast-paced, agile team. You will design, implement, and validate the navigation filters and sensor-fusion techniques that land our spacecraft on the moon, as well as provide inputs on the hardware and embedded-system design.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and tune navigation algorithms for low-lunar-orbit (LLO) navigation, descent, and landing
- Provide inputs for the camera system that provides imagery to the terrain-relative navigation system
- Implement the terrain-relative navigation algorithms and software, performing crater detection/matching and image comparison for odometry
- Perform spacecraft navigation analyses: orbit determination, attitude determination, covariance analysis, and navigation error budgets
- Develop and validate simulated sensor and measurement models in Impulse’s 6DOF simulation environment
- Implement navigation algorithms in flight code (C++) and support SIL/HIL integration and test
- Perform Monte Carlo analysis to characterize navigation performance under dispersed and off-nominal conditions
- Generate navigation verification data for Impulse's lunar missions
- Support navigation operations: real-time orbit determination, 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 Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Physics, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, or estimation
- Experience in vision-based navigation design and implementation
- Demonstrated experience in verification, simulation, or test of navigation or perception systems
- Proficiency in Matlab and C++
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing spacecraft navigation
- Excellent technical communication skills
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 10+ years of experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, or estimation
- Demonstrated experience with terrain-relative navigation, precision landing, or hazard detection
- Experience with landmark, crater, or map-relative localization and feature-tracking algorithms
- Experience with lunar or planetary map products and tools (e.g., Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter imagery and digital elevation models)
- Experience with camera models, calibration, radiometry, and synthetic scene or image generation for testing
- Experience with OpNav HITLs
- Experience with navigation/astrodynamics tools (FreeFlyer, GMAT, STK, etc.)
- Experience with powered descent, entry-descent-landing, rendezvous and proximity operations, or other deep-space missions
- Experience in a startup or fast-paced, iterative hardware 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.
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.
Similar Jobs
Consumer Web • eCommerce • Information Technology • Retail • Software • Analytics • App development
Receives and unloads freight, stocks shelves, organizes backroom merchandise, verifies deliveries, prepares customer orders, and maintains a safe, clean work area. Uses forklifts, pallet jacks, scanners, Zebra phones, balers, and other store equipment. May assist customers with product locating or loading and work flexible morning, evening, or overnight shifts. The role is physically demanding and may involve occasional travel to nearby stores.
Top Skills:
BalersBarcode ScannersForkliftsOrders AppPallet JacksZebra Phones
Consumer Web • eCommerce • Information Technology • Retail • Software • Analytics • App development
Provides customer service in Lowe’s Millwork department by helping shoppers select products, locate and handle merchandise, process orders, replenish shelves, prepare materials, and complete checkout support. The role may involve loading merchandise, cross-training across departments, prolonged standing, and lifting up to 75 pounds with appropriate assistance. Occasional travel to meetings, training, or neighboring stores may be required.
Top Skills:
ComputerRetail TechnologySmartphonesTablets
Consumer Web • eCommerce • Information Technology • Retail • Software • Analytics • App development
Receives and unloads freight, stocks shelves, organizes backroom merchandise, prepares customer orders, and maintains a clean and safe store environment. Uses forklifts, pallet jacks, scanners, Zebra phones, balers, and other equipment. Assists customers with product locating and loading, verifies deliveries, stages orders, and supports store operations. The role is part-time, physically demanding, and may include varied shifts and occasional travel for meetings or training.
Top Skills:
BalersForkliftsOrders AppPallet JacksScannersZebra Phones
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
