GNC Engineer

Astroscale France is looking for an experienced GNC Engineer to support the growth of our Toulouse office.

GNC subsystems for Astroscale missions require both standard and bespoke GNC algorithms and hardware equipment. The algorithms are often cutting edge, very complex, innovative and form some of Astroscale’s most important intellectual property. These, along with the hardware, must be integrated to form an integration, high-performing subsystem. Given the technical complexity and importance to Astroscale of this subsystem, a team of GNC engineers is required to take responsibility for this aspect of the GNC Group’s work.

Your responsibilities

Algorithms

• Contribute to GNC algorithm development – analyse, design, implement and validate algorithms for RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations), working other engineering disciplines (especially flight dynamics, flight software) to develop safe GNC algorithm solutions which meet Astroscale’s project requirements (inc. technical and programmatic).
• Ensure configuration management and technical integrity of GNC algorithms throughout the development lifecycle.
• Support the definition and evolution of the GNC software architecture, ensuring consistency with the overall spacecraft and software system architecture.
• Conducting and planning state‑of‑the‑art research into GNC algorithm designs relevant to Astroscale’s missions.

Simulator

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and validation of the GNC simulator architecture and associated models
• Ensure robust configuration control and long‑term maintainability of the GNC simulation environment
• Define simulation strategies and verification approaches to support project development milestones and system‑level testing activities

Hardware

• Contribute to development of GNC hardware architecture; trade‑off analysis of hardware towards overall GNC hardware solutions which meet Astroscale’s project requirements (inc. technical and programmatic).
• Conducting and planning state‑of‑the‑art research of technologies/sensors relevant to RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations). This is including any relevant COTS equipment not designed for space use which could be developed for Astroscale missions
• Perform GNC hardware trade‑offs.

Integration

• Contribute to the planning and execution of GNC verification and validation activities across the subsystem lifecycle
• Define, plan, and execute GNC subsystem verification campaigns, including hardware‑in‑the-loop (HIL) and system‑level testing
• Contribute to technical reviews and anomaly investigations
• Support and oversee the verification of embedded GNC software implementations, ensuring consistency between algorithm design, simulation, and flight software execution

Expecteed results

• Deliver GNC algorithm and simulator developments in accordance with Astroscale’s project requirements, technical and programmatic. Programmatic requirements include the budget and schedule specified by the respective projects.
• Deliver GNC hardware architecture solutions in accordance with Astroscale’s project requirements, technical and programmatic.
• Plan and execute GNC integration and V&V activities in accordance with Astroscale’s project requirements, technical and programmatic. Programmatic requirements include the budget and schedule specified by the respective projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of GNC methodologies, tools, processes, and technical standards to enhance efficiency, quality, and mission success.
• Support the development of GNC team capability through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and technical guidance of less experienced engineers.
• Ensure the technical coherence, traceability, and configuration management of GNC deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.

Experience and Qualifications

• Diploma: bachelor or master’s degree in aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering/science discipline
• Significant experience with software tools commonly used for aerospace system analysis and simulation, including Python
• Experience with version control software, e.g., GIT, SVN
• Strong experience of GNC algorithm design, modelling and testing, e.g., navigation filters, guidance strategies and/or controllers
• Knowledge and experience of GNC rendezvous
• Experience with optimization algorithms, control synthesis and analysis
• Ability to balance innovative engineering solutions with project delivery objectives, ensuring timely execution within cost, schedule, and technical constraints
• Demonstrates behaviours aligned with Astroscale's values (mission and people focused, transparent, innovative and pioneering, diverse and