Joblaze summary

In the role of Senior GNC Engineer at Varda Space, the individual will manage the entire lifecycle of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, from initial design to flight testing. Key skills include proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB/Simulink, alongside a solid understanding of orbital mechanics and system engineering. This position is ideal for experienced engineers with a background in aerospace or related fields, particularly those who have worked on spacecraft systems. Varda's team comprises industry veterans, fostering a collaborative environment focused on advancing commercial space infrastructure.

Joblaze insights

Listed yesterday — first seen on Joblaze November 14, 2026. Last confirmed on Varda Space's careers page November 14, 2026.
Salary band is above the typical range for comparable tech roles (median ~$130,000).
Starts above 69% of 293 comparable senior other roles in United States that list Python we track (median $150,000 across 60 companies). See Python salary trends
Python appears in 16.2% of 2690 comparable senior other roles in United States; Simulink appears in 0.3% of 2690 comparable senior other roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Senior GNC Engineer role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the salary range?: Varda Space lists $169,067–$216,031 for this role.
How much experience is required?: At least 5 years of relevant experience for this Senior GNC Engineer role.
Where is the role based?: Varda Space is hiring for this position in El Segundo, California, United States.
What's the tech stack?: Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: C++, MATLAB, Python, Simulink.
What seniority level is this role?: Varda Space targets senior candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Senior GNC Engineer role at Varda Space.

From the original posting

About Varda

About This Role

As a Senior GNC Engineer, you will own the full life cycle of GNC development at Varda, from design through to unit, hardware-in-the-loop, on-vehicle functionality, and flight testing. You will perform system analyses, including simulations and Monte Carlo, to satisfy specifications and requirements and to drive system-level architectural and business decisions. You will contribute to a sophisticated multi-degree of freedom in-house aerospace simulation and test framework and develop and maintain design descriptions and supporting documentation. You'll see end to end execution of the GNC subsystem from initial analysis/design through vehicle integration, mission planning and flight through support of on-orbit and reentry mission operations.

Responsibilities

ADCS hardware performance specification including sizing of reaction wheels, torque rods, IMU/GPS, and star trackers
Design and implementation of autonomous satellite attitude control, collision avoidance, orbital rendezvous, burn planning and atmospheric re-entry algorithms
Perform trajectory design, optimization, and dispersion analysis for the reentry of a space capsule
Develop 6 degree of freedom vehicle simulation using C++, Python and MATLAB/Simulink
Running Monte Carlo analysis to characterize performance of new vehicle and mission capabilities
Integration and testing of GNC sensors, actuators, and software in hardware-in-the-loop environment
Design and implementation of ground tooling necessary to facilitate fully automated maneuver responsibility and maneuver scheduling decisions
Monitoring on-orbit system performance; troubleshooting where necessary
Coordination with other spacecraft operators, 3rd party agencies, and the US government

Basic Qualifications

B.S. degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics, or related field
5+ proven years of experience, or PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience
Demonstrated knowledge in designing, modeling, testing, and flying aerospace guidance, navigation, and control systems
Highly adept software and model development skills, particularly in C++/Python
Understanding of orbital mechanics, modeling and simulation, and software development
Experience anchoring/fitting first principles models to test data or high-fidelity external simulations
Proven system engineering and configuration management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills and Experience

Master's degree in engineering or physics
Experience with spacecraft attitude determination and control system design
Experience with GMAT, POST2, or similar tools
Understanding of multi-body dynamics, flexible body dynamics, gas dynamics, fluids, and thermodynamics
Experience developing and verifying physical models for the purpose of control design, component sizing, and system performance evaluation
Experience supporting safety critical flight tests or spacecraft
Ability to continuously manage risk and provide solutions with lean and state of the art software development techniques

Pay Range

Salary range: Senior GNC: $169,067 - $216,031/per year
This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
You will be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

ITAR Requirements

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Senior GNC Engineer