Magma Space Sr. GNC Modeling and Simulation Engineer Washington, DC · Full time Company website

Apply for Sr. GNC Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Magma Space is on a mission to deliver the most precise spacecraft pointing ever achieved, for demanding applications like directed energy, optical communication, in-space precision manufacturing and more. Leveraging proprietary magnetically levitated actuators that reduce vibrations 20X, over 50 new high-precision sensors per satellite, and AI/ML-infused control software, our capabilities drastically enhance pointing accuracy while enabling autonomy and holistic performance improvements. Magma Space is developing a suite of products that benefit from each other, bringing an ecosystem of smart technologies and information to meet the future's most demanding mission objectives.

About Us

At Magma Space, we’re on a mission to deliver the most precise spacecraft pointing ever achieved. We are developing groundbreaking control actuators, including magnetically levitated reaction wheels and control moment gyroscopes that drastically reduce onboard vibrations while delivering unmatched momentum. But our vision goes beyond hardware — we’re at the forefront of integrating AI-enhanced software for real-time environment monitoring with novel sensing capabilities. Our goal is to provide satellites with an unprecedented level of stability, agility, and accuracy, enhancing satellite capabilities like never before.

We’re proud to be supported by NASA and the U.S. Space Force, and we’re now partnering with the Department of War on an RPOD (Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking) project. Across our efforts, our test programs include ground-based testing at the AFRL and orbital testing on the ISS, commercial, and Defense missions.

Join us at Magma Space and make a lasting impact on the next generation of space missions!

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain 6-DOF spacecraft simulation models in MATLAB and Simulink, including rigid-body dynamics, sensor models, actuator models, and disturbance environments.
• Conduct performance studies for mission scenarios — pointing, slew, RPOD, and others — and produce well-documented results for internal trade studies and customer deliverables.
• Read, modify, and extend the GNC software suite used across our test programs; become the team’s reference person for its input scripts, configuration, and outputs.
• Set up and execute SIL and MIL test campaigns; analyze results, identify failure modes, and iterate on models alongside the GNC and flight software leads.
• Develop tooling around batch runs, Monte Carlo analyses, and post-processing.
• Partner with the mechanical, electrical and controls engineers so simulation models evolve with the hardware.
• Document model assumptions, validation evidence, and performance results in a form suitable for both internal review and customer deliverables.
• Support proposal and contract work with quick-turn analyses that translate customer requirements into runnable scenarios.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, or a related engineering discipline.
• 2–5 years of professional experience in engineering simulation work — spacecraft preferred; controls, robotics, autonomy, aircraft, or automotive simulation backgrounds are also relevant.
• MATLAB and Simulink proficiency: have built Simulink models from scratch, and modified complex models written by others.
• Working knowledge of rigid-body dynamics and attitude representations (quaternions, rotation matrices, Euler angles), including their tradeoffs and singularities.
• Have built or substantially modified a 6-DOF vehicle simulation — any vehicle (spacecraft, aircraft, drone, robot) counts.
• Scripting fluency for batch sim setup and post-processing (MATLAB, Python, or similar).
• Strong technical writing; simulation results are customer-facing deliverables.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident required (DoW and EAR/ITAR project eligibility).

Preferred (any of these are a plus)

• Direct space-industry experience in any role.
• Have written or modified an attitude estimator (Kalman filter, MEKF, complementary filter, etc.).
• Comfort reading C or C++ generated from Simulink (we work with auto-coded GNC software).
• Experience with SIL or MIL test infrastructure.
• Coursework or hands-on work in modern controls (LQR, MPC, robust control) and estimation theory.
• Familiarity with mission-analysis tools (STK, FreeFlyer, GMAT).

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on cutting-edge space mechanisms and GNC with real DoW applications.
• A highly collaborative, innovative, and rapidly growing team environment.
• Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays.
• On-site gym access and wellness programs.
• Flexible work schedule and remote/hybrid options.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• The chance to shape the future of satellite autonomy and national security.

The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment third-party background check and reference check.

Magma Space Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Even if you don’t meet all the qualifications as outlined here, but are still excited about the role, we encourage you to apply anyway.