What are the responsibilities and job description for the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer position at Aetherflux?
Mission
Aetherflux's mission is to deliver energy to planet Earth. Our work will make energy more accessible, establish American energy independence, power underdeveloped and disaster-stricken areas, and protect American warfighters.
Background
Aetherflux is innovating space solar power by deploying a constellation of satellites to collect sunlight in Low Earth Orbit, convert it to electricity, and transmit the energy through infrared lasers to ground stations. This will provide reliable energy access where traditional delivery is challenging or dangerous.
The current energy systems are vulnerable to natural disasters and other adversities. Aetherflux addresses these issues by enabling direct, on-demand, secure, and scalable 24-hour energy distribution from space. This revolutionary approach will empower remote areas, military bases, and critical operations.
Founded by Baiju Bhatt in 2024, Aetherflux is self-funded through a $10 million investment from him. Baiju's background includes co-founding Robinhood, and he aims to replicate that success by solving pressing energy challenges. Our team includes talent from renowned organizations like SpaceX, NASA, and the U.S. Navy. If you are ready to tackle complex technical challenges and contribute to a groundbreaking energy solution, we welcome your application.
Overview
The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer will focus on creating autonomous control algorithms, state estimation models, and flight software for our space energy transmission platform. This critical role calls for expertise in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, and optimization. The GNC Engineer will contribute to the design, testing, and implementation of real-time control systems for spacecraft navigation and precision beam pointing.
Responsibilities
- Guidance & Control System Development : Design and develop autonomous guidance and control algorithms for spacecraft attitude and orbit determination.
- Navigation & State Estimation : Create precise state estimation techniques utilizing sensor fusion from IMUs, star trackers, GNSS, and other spacecraft sensors.
- Orbit Dynamics & Optimization : Model satellite dynamics and optimize orbital maneuvers for station-keeping and trajectory planning.
- Precision Beam Pointing : Develop real-time control algorithms for accurate laser beam steering and energy transmission to ground stations.
- Flight Software Implementation : Develop C / Python flight software to incorporate control algorithms into spacecraft systems.
- Simulation & Hardware Testing : Build high-fidelity simulations and hardware-in-the-loop testing environments for algorithm validation.
- Failure Analysis & Fault Detection : Create fault-tolerant control techniques and anomaly detection for robust spacecraft operations.
- Mission Operations Support : Provide real-time support for satellite operations, troubleshoot issues, and adjust algorithms based on flight data.
- Collaboration : Work closely with various engineering teams to guarantee the seamless integration of GNC systems.
Basic Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Benefits
Disclaimer
This job description provides a summary of the main responsibilities and duties of the role. It does not constitute an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or tasks and may be subject to changes at Aetherflux's discretion.
Aetherflux is an equal opportunity employer, evaluating individuals for employment based on their skills, abilities and experience, and is committed to following all applicable laws against discrimination.
