Principal GNC/ACS Engineer

Satellite imagery is a historically-scarce resource, whose adoption has been slowed by an unbalanced relationship between price and resolution. In theory, frequent, ultra high-resolution imagery of Earth has near infinite applications; in reality, only a sliver of that potential has been realized.

Albedo aims to be the catalyst in unlocking satellite imagery’s latent potential, hoping to expand current applications and propel the discovery of new use cases. Whether our imagery is being used to reduce wildfire risk, assess the environmental impact of global forestry, contribute to timely 3D reconstructions of urban areas, or monitor carbon emissions from industrial power plants, our mission is to get better data into the hands of decision-makers fast. We’re modernizing how satellite imagery is used by providing near real-time access to our ultra-high resolution data.

What We’re Up To Albedo is developing a novel approach to the earth observation industry, both in space and with our business model. We are intentionally doing things differently by taking (calculated) risks, trying new things, and moving with speed. Our team believes satellite imagery is a valuable resource that should be made accessible, in every sense of the word. We are committed to our customers, ensuring that what we’re building is what they want. We are playing at the edges of how traditional New Space technologies have been approached, and we want to shake up the industry as it stands today.

Who We’re Looking For Albedo is launching next-generation, ultra high-resolution imaging satellites to service a global audience through a modern, cloud-based product interface. In order to achieve this goal, we are looking for a team of people who are both passionate about our mission and are willing to put in the work to design, develop, and test an innovative earth observation concept in the commercial industry. The times ahead will be set in a fast-paced, often uncertain environment, but if you are hard-working, kind, and team-oriented, you can expect a rewarding and purposeful experience.

We’re looking for a Principal GNC/ACS Engineer to lead the development of Albedo’s Guidance Navigation & Control/Attitude Control Systems GNC/ACS. This person will be responsible for tasks, ranging from single-vehicle mission analysis, constellation deployment strategies, on-orbit calibration, and initialization plans, as well as working with our suppliers to ensure Albedo’s requirements are met.

What You'll Do

• Model and develop vehicle image scanning maneuvers and analyze them for induced image motion

• Develop detailed error budgets and line-of-sight simulations to account for how induced vibration from vehicle actuators translates into scanned image degradation and what structural dynamics and isolation is required for mission success

• Work in small teams (in-house and contracting) and individually in the development, assembly, integration, and testing of remote sensing satellites and associated subcomponents

• Develop vehicle control system specifications and requirements including instrumentation, avionics, and flight control software

• Act as the GNC/ACS sub-system development lead for future systems

• Develop flight constraints and guidance parameters to meet mission objectives

• Coordinate with governing bodies to provide necessary inputs for trajectory-focused safety and hazard analysis

• Analyze COTS and vendor-proposed control system components to ensure proper integration into the overall vehicle design

• Identify and communicate the technical, cost, and schedule risks for assigned systems and subsystems

• Create, maintain, and execute satellite attitude control simulation software

• Coordinate with test personnel for hardware-in-the-loop testing of control systems

• Support configuration design studies and test article development

• Develop and own SV geolocation and image motion budgets

• Plan and analyze relevant on-orbit calibrations

• Travel to supplier locations

What You'll Bring

• M.S. or greater in Control System Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or another relevant engineering discipline OR B.S. in the above-mentioned disciplines, plus 3 years of relevant experience with space vehicle control systems

• 7-12 years of GNC/ACS experience with 5+ years of experience working on scanning remote sensing control systems

• Strong technical fundamentals in attitude knowledge, control, and pointing stability

• Familiarity with scanning imaging sensors and vehicle maneuver patterns to maximize image quality

• Experience with Control Moment Gyro systems, including the principles of CMG control laws

• Experience with deriving structural dynamics requirements from line-of-sight mission objectives given tonal disturbance sources

• Familiar with quaternion kinematics

• Highly experienced in one or more of the following: -Extended Kalman filters used in real-time and offline attitude and orbit determination applications -Advanced techniques for accurate short-term orbit prediction and extrapolation, including propagation, fitting/splining, and smoothing

• Software framework for flight control: schedulers, hardware drivers, sensor or actuator processing, fault detection, and state machines for mode control

• Demonstrated knowledge of the tools and processes used in developing software for real-time, deterministic, embedded control systems

What We Believe Are Important Traits For This Role

-Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively pass on and share your knowledge with others

-Flexibility: We are a small team doing a lot of things - a flexible and positive mindset is instrumental for success!

-A humble and open mind: willingness to accept feedback and consistently improve upon yourself and the product you will be responsible for

-A high degree of emotional intelligence: the ability to collaborate closely with coworkers in a respectful and empathetic manner

-Belief in the value of diversity: active appreciation of each person’s unique perspective and realizing that diversity produces better outcomes

-Alignment and willingness to champion Albedo's Core Values (https://albedo.com/post/our-core-values)

Benefits

• Employee-friendly equity compensation (https://blog.samaltman.com/employee-equity)

• Remote-first, asynchronous culture with flexible working hours

• 4% direct matching 401k

• Insurance: Medical, Vision, Dental, Mental Health

• Parental leave and childcare coverage

• Relocation bonus for moving to our Denver, CO HQ

• 20 paid vacation days, yours from day one

• 10 company holidays and unlimited sick days

• $100 monthly wellness benefit

• Team retreats to build relationships in-person

US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED

Additional Requirements: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. All persons hired will be required to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Albedo is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Questions? Feedback? Feel free to email us at careers @ albedo.com