Senior Manager, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)
Axiom Space
Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. We foster a diverse environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic person who is fueled by problem-solving, continuously curious, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.
The Senior GNC Manager will be responsible for managing the budget, schedule, and execution of all Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) activities supporting the Axiom Station modules and the Axiom Pathfinder vehicle. This includes oversight of hardware procurement, hardware and software testing, as well as algorithm development and validation. The role involves making strategic decisions related to hardware selection, algorithm trade studies, and task prioritization to drive continuous improvement in the GNC team’s technical products and capabilities.
The Senior GNC Manager will coordinate closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring appropriate collaboration and integration across engineering disciplines. This includes proactively engaging other internal stakeholders and incorporating their input into the GNC development lifecycle. In addition, the GNC Manager will serve as a key interface with NASA, ensuring that all Axiom GNC deliverables and systems meet applicable NASA requirements and standards.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the GNC engineering team in the design, development, integration, and testing of guidance, navigation, and control systems for spaceflight and aerospace vehicles
Define and manage GNC technical requirements, performance metrics, and verification plans in alignment with program objectives
Oversee modeling, simulation, and algorithm development for trajectory optimization, attitude control, sensor fusion, and state estimation
Coordinate cross-functional integration of GNC systems with avionics, propulsion, software, and mission operations teams
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of engineers, ensuring high standards of engineering excellence and innovation
Serve as the primary GNC technical authority in program reviews, design reviews, and customer or stakeholder briefings
Drive continuous improvement in GNC processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance system performance and reliability
Evaluate and manage risks associated with GNC systems and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle
Lead hiring, onboarding, and performance management activities for the GNC team to support current and future program needs
Stay informed of emerging technologies and research in GNC systems and evaluate their applicability to current and future projects
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define project scope, goals, and deliverables
Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership
Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle
Perform additional job duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of 10 years of experience leading technical teams, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
10+ years of experience leading technical teams
Minimum of 10+ years of experience in Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) environment
Experience with Atlassian suite preferred
Ability to work effectively in an Agile/Scrum environment
Proven ability to solve complex problems and proactively address project challenges
Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a track record of meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high quality standards
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
Skills
Excellent interpersonal skill
Excellent communication skill, verbal and written
Excellent organizational skills
Result oriented personality with a creative approach to problem solving
Ability to work in a team environment
Self-motivated
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task
Requirements
Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation
Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised
Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position
Physical Requirements
Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)
May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)
Equipment and Machines
Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.)
LIT Principles
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following principles:
Leadership
Integrity First
Safety Always
Transcend
Excellence
Innovation
Create
Iterate
Disrupt
Bold
Teamwork
Together
Unstoppable
Humility
Relentless
Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
