K2 Space GNC Engineer at K2 Space owning navigation and sensing chain from hardware to estimation algorithms for spacecraft. Responsible for GNSS software driver design, sensor integration, and supporting multiple satellite launches.
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and verify onboard estimation algorithms for orbit and attitude determination (EKF/MEKF/UKF, batch estimators, sensor fusion)
Develop high-altitude GNSS navigation capability for MEO and GEO, including sidelobe and weak-signal tracking, receiver selection, and onboard orbit filtering
Improve measurement and system timing accuracy from sensor output to GNC ingestion, ensuring low-latency and low-jitter navigation
Develop and run GNC sensor calibration on the ground and on orbit.
Select, specify, and integrate navigation sensors (GNSS receivers, IMUs, magnetometers, star trackers) in fault tolerant architectures to support robust next generation capabilities
Build sensor models and estimation components in our simulation framework, and bring algorithms from prototype into production flight software
Support on-orbit commissioning and navigation performance analysis during mission operations
Defining pass/fail performance criteria for GNC hardware during acceptance testing and supporting investigation of out-of-spec hardware
Shape the future of the GNC team by recruiting, interviewing, and mentoring engineers
Qualification
Master’s degree or higher in aerospace2+ years of experience in navigationStrong grasp of estimation theoryExperience with PythonExperience with optics
Required
Master’s degree or higher in aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field
2+ years of experience in navigation, estimation, or sensor engineering for spacecraft.
Strong grasp of estimation theory, with hands-on experience implementing filters for real time systems
Hands-on experience with navigation hardware in the lab
Experience with Python, Julia, C/C++, or Rust for algorithm development, implementation, hardware test, and simulation
Preferred
Experience with early-stage spacecraft conceptual design, i.e. “clean sheet” design work
Previous experience with high altitude/cis-lunar GNSS architectures
Knowledge of GNSS link budgets and antenna pattern modeling
Experience with optics, such as star trackers, cameras, and optical navigation
Ability to characterize inertial sensors through Allan variance and PSD analysis to motivate both simulation and flight software development.
Experience with magnetometer calibration and bias compensation - design and operation of Helmholtz cage and zero gauss chamber.
Hands-on experience with GNSS simulators, attenuators, LNAs, and Spectrum Analyzer.
Experience with vehicle level polarity and run-for-record testing.
