Principal GNC Engineer

As the Principal GNC Engineer at Apex Technology, you will be responsible for leading the GNC design and implementation for various spacecraft missions. Your main duties will include designing flight software, developing spacecraft autonomy tools, selecting GNC components, and overseeing test processes. You will also define fault detection responses and work on simulation and integration of flight software. This role requires collaboration with multiple departments to ensure all GNC subsystems meet the technical requirements necessary for mission success.

To be considered for the Principal GNC Engineer role at Apex Technology, you should have a BS degree with at least 12 years of relevant industry experience in GNC/ADCS. Advanced degrees are preferred, along with a minimum of 5 years working specifically with spacecraft or satellites. Leadership experience is crucial, as you'll be managing a team, and prior interaction with aerospace customers—either commercial or governmental—is also required.

At Apex Technology, the work environment is designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Based in our Playa Vista headquarters, you’ll enjoy modern office facilities with access to the best tools to enhance your productivity. Our culture encourages social engagement through monthly community events and team-building activities, ensuring that work-life balance is maintained while you thrive in your role as Principal GNC Engineer.

As a Principal GNC Engineer at Apex, you will work on a diverse array of spacecraft missions, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) missions, as well as Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPOD). This variety provides a unique opportunity to apply your skills across different mission profiles, enhancing both your expertise and contribution to the aerospace field.

Apex Technology offers a wide range of benefits to its employees, including competitive equity options, extensive healthcare coverage, and a robust PTO package. You can expect a fully-covered primary insurance premium for you and your dependents, a 401(k) plan with matching, paid parental leave, and perks like daily lunches, unlimited snacks, and engaging community events. Our aim is to create an environment where you can excel and make a meaningful impact in the aerospace industry.

In preparing for your interview for the Principal GNC Engineer position, be ready to explain your hands-on experience with GNC systems. Highlight specific projects where you designed GNC algorithms or handled real-time spacecraft operations, specifying the sensors and technologies involved. This will showcase your technical knowledge and practical experience.

When addressing fault detection and response methods in your interview, discuss your systematic approaches such as utilizing redundancy, real-time monitoring of key systems, and implementing checks and balances. Providing concrete examples from your experience can significantly strengthen your response.

In your response, discuss your project management skills, including how you prioritize tasks based on project timelines and team needs. Emphasize your experience with project management tools like Jira to plan tasks, set milestones, and allocate team resources effectively while ensuring all projects meet their objectives.

Be prepared to elaborate on how you utilize simulation for GNC development. Discuss your experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and Monte Carlo simulations, illustrating how these processes enhance system verification, performance predictions, and the overall reliability of GNC designs.

In your answer, share a specific example that demonstrates your leadership abilities. Highlight the challenges faced, your approach to guiding the team, and the successful outcome. Use this opportunity to showcase your soft skills like communication and conflict resolution.

Discuss how you manage the development cycle, from algorithm design to testing methodologies. Emphasize the importance of iterative testing and collaboration with software teams to ensure all GNC modules interface smoothly, adding to the robustness and efficiency of spacecraft operations.

In answering this question, mention any relevant journals, conferences, and online platforms you engage with to stay informed about the latest GNC technologies. Illustrate your commitment to ongoing education and professional development in aerospace.

Talk about your experience in interfacing with customers, explaining their needs, and ensuring that projects align with their expectations. Highlight your role in presenting technical information in a way that’s understandable to non-technical stakeholders to help manage project expectations.

In your response, stress the collaborative nature of GNC engineering, where effective communication with Systems, Avionics, and Software teams is crucial. Share examples of how teamwork led to successful project completion and innovative solutions.

Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with autonomy tools employed for spacecraft operations. Reference any specific tools you’ve developed or implemented, and relate how these tools enhance operational efficiency and mission reliability.