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Draper

Software Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer for Space Applications

Salary$75k – $156k
LocationHouston, TX; Cambridge, MA
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience3–5 yrs
Company size1,001–5,000 people
First seenOct 4, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have21
3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience
Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools
Proficient in basic software development standards
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology
Knowledge of real-time software development tools
Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software
Strong background in control systems theory
Written and verbal communication is clear and concise
Background in one or more disciplines of spacecraft navigation, guidance, or control software development
Background in linear covariance analysis
Background in space-rated sensor characterization and performance analysis
Background in absolute and relative navigation for space systems using a variety of sensors
Background in trajectory design and optimization
Background in spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics
Background in spacecraft guidance design and analysis
Background in classic and robust control systems theory
Background in spacecraft control design using variety of actuators
Background in flexible body and tank slosh dynamics
Nice to have4
Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred
6-DOF spacecraft dynamics modeling and simulation
GN&C flight software development and testing - preferably in graphical development environments
Experience with NASA Linux-based development frameworks (Trick, Antares, Ramtares, etc.)
Eligibility1
Applicants selected for this position may be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
Skills
MATLAB
Simulink
Python
C/C++
Trick
Antares
Ramtares
Benefits
Health insurance
Workplace flexibility
Employee clubs
Health and finance workshops
Off site social events
Discounts to local museums and cultural activities
Overview:
Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary:
The Software Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer 2 develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced GN&C algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space…
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
• Proficient in basic software development standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
• Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
• Strong background in control systems theory.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
Education
• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.
Experience
3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.
Additional Job Description:
The applicant will be technically involved in various stages in the life cycle of the project from preliminary mission/system design through mission operations. The applicant should have background in one or more disciplines of spacecraft navigation, guidance, or control software development with specialties in one or more of the following technical disciplines:
•
Linear covariance analysis
•
Space-rated sensor characterization and performance analysis
•
Absolute and relative navigation for space systems using a variety of sensors
•
Trajectory design and optimization
•
Spacecraft dynamics and orbital mechanics
•
Spacecraft guidance design and analysis
•
Classic and robust control systems theory
•
Spacecraft control design using variety of actuators
•
Flexible body and tank slosh dynamics
Additional qualifications include:
•
6-DOF spacecraft dynamics modeling and simulation
•
GN&C flight software development and testing - preferably in graphical development environments
•
Experience with NASA Linux-based development frameworks (Trick, Antares, Ramtares, etc.)
Applicants selected for this position may be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don’t find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.
Job Location - City:
Houston
Job Location - State:
Texas
Job Location - Postal Code:
77058-2900
The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$75,000.00 - $156,000.00
Legal
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.
Benefits
Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.
Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected].
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