GNC Simulation Lead at Karman+

KarmanWe are inventors designers engineers scientists tinkerers entrepreneurs adventurers artists activists global citizens architects musicians builders writers athletes and space nerds. We partner with the best minds and most experienced teams across industry and academia bringing together the knowledge experience and skills required to navigate our critical path.MissionWe want to mine space resources from near-Earth asteroids to provide abundant sustainable energy and resources in space and for Earth.VisionAsteroid mining has lived at the intersection of scientific research and popular culture for decades with as many academic papers published as there are books TV shows and movies about it.Access to resources with its finite nature and disparate distribution plays an essential part in the geopolitical web of power and wealth. It has defined economic growth to such an extent that we have been using them as primary demarcation lines and identifiers in our history from the stone to bronze and iron age to our current silicon age.But our resources-driven growth faces a massive existential challenge with climate change ecosystem degradation and resource depletion demanding a complete reset. Humanity needs to shift global transportation manufacturing construction and energy onto a sustainable path.Expanding beyond the Kármán line is where we believe transformative future growth and innovation will be found. Recent missions by NASA (OSIRIS-REx & DART) and JAXA (Hayabusa2) have firmly pushed the idea of using space resources from academic research into commercial opportunity.We believe the Regolith Age powered by abundant space resources is an inevitability that we can accelerate.We value these principles:Diversity of thought. We believe that different perspectives drive better results. We aim to build diverse teams and a diverse company.Ownership feedback and accountability.Ideas improve through collaboration discussion and iteration. Decisions dont follow the same pattern and revert to the mean when made in a group. We aim to have clear ownership accountability for results and autonomy to deliver.No silos.We build cross-functional teams to be able to deliver on our goals. There are no predefined lanes for people to operate in information is pushed out across all teams to make sure we benefit from cross-pollination.High talent bar no a**holes.We optimize for potential and a growth mindset. We value experience but only when balanced with self-awareness and first principles thinking.Small is beautiful.The best results as well as the best work experience come from a small team of talented people working towards a common goal.Position: GNC Simulation LeadLocation: Broomfield COPosition Type: Full-time On-siteMission: High Frontier Build and Test in Simulation for Mission SuccessAt Karman were building spacecraft systems that must operate reliably in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Our ability to design and test guidance navigation and control (GNC) systems depends on high-fidelity simulations that capture the complex interactions between spacecraft environment and control algorithms.Were looking for a GNC Simulation Lead who can design develop and maintain physics simulations and component emulators that directly inform spacecraft design decisions mission planning and system verification. Youll work closely with flight software mission design and AI&T teams to ensure our spacecraft are controllable robust and mission-ready.This role is perfect for a self-motivated engineer who thrives on technical depth while also enjoying collaboration communication and building tools that impact the entire spacecraft lifecycle.What it takes to be successful in this role:Youll be responsible for building simulation environments that bridge physics models control algorithms flight software and flight hardware interfaces. Youll run nominal and off-nominal scenarios develop visualizations and help validate vehicle performance across diverse mission profiles. Strong programming ability comfort with numerical modeling and an ability to communicate results clearly are essential.This is a highly cross-functional role requiring you to work with software engineers hardware teams and mission designers translating complex technical insights into actionable design recommendations.What Youll DoDesign implement and maintain 6-DoF spacecraft simulations including dynamics sensor models control responses and environment effectsDevelop Monte Carlo pipelines sequencers and visualization tools to evaluate vehicle controllability and performanceSupport flight software integration by implementing testing and validating GNC algorithms in simulation environmentsWork with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate design trades and their impact on vehicle controllability and stabilityEnsure simulation verification and validation against analytical models and test dataPresent analysis results and make clear recommendations on vehicle design and mission conceptsContribute to CI/CD and automation pipelines for simulation and test workflowsCollaborate with external partners academia and customers on simulation requirements and outcomesLead Karmanplus trade study on developing an in-house GNC simulation framework versus implementing a 3rd party solution (e.g. Trick JEOD VERAS Basilisk or DARTS)What You BringBS or MS in Aerospace Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Science or related fieldStrong programming experience in C and PythonExperience building or using high-fidelity simulation frameworks for aerospace systemsKnowledge of orbital mechanics dynamics modeling and spacecraft GNC principlesComfort working in both Linux and Windows development environmentsExperience with software version control (e.g. git) and collaborative software practicesAbility to analyze simulation results synthesize conclusions and communicate clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholdersStrong teamwork adaptability and ability to manage multiple priorities independentlyExperience validating simulation models against real hardware performance (sensors actuators or flight dynamics)Bonus If You HaveExperience with NASA or aerospace simulation frameworks (e.g. Trick JEOD VERAS Basilisk or DARTS)Hands-on experience with spacecraft avionics or GNC hardware and how they interact with simulation frameworksFamiliarity with numerical methods for ODEs optimization routines or uncertainty quantificationHands-on experience integrating simulations with flight hardware through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing sensor emulators or actuator rigsExperience with control system design and stability analysisExperience designing Kalman FiltersFamiliarity with Docker CI/CD pipelines or cloud-based deployment for scalable simulationsBackground in advanced controls rendezvous and proximity operations or trajectory designFamiliarity with networking protocols computer architectures and software development best practicesAdditional InformationWe OfferOur cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $130000.00 - $180000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.Top Benefits & PerksAs a member of the Karman team youll enjoy an impressive benefits package:Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.Medical Dental and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options.Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by KarmanBasic Life Insurance covered by Karman401k planUnlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done not how many hours or days you work.Location & Work EnvironmentThis position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Broomfield CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered however no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time.TravelOccasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training seminars conferences meetings events or visits to onsite locations.DisclaimerThis job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required. Karman reserves the right to change or assign additional duties responsibilities and activities at any time with or without notice.Hiring PracticesKarman is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race color religion national origin age sex (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions) marital status ancestry physical or mental disability genetic information veteran status gender identity or expression sexual orientation or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact .Come work with us...We are crazy ambitious but the timing is right. Be part of the team looking to make it happen.We are looking to build things to put in space quickly.We emphasize creativity and innovation and resources are available to support good ideas.Join a team of people working toward the same ambitious goal.We are an engaging team looking to empower our teammates.You can have a share in the company value creation.ITAR RequirementsTo conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. 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.Follow us on LinkedIn to stay tuned on upcoming roles with Karman.If you know someone whod be a great addition to our team please encourage them to apply for this role or for our General Application. Key Skills Administrative Skills,Facilities Management,Biotechnology,Creative Production,Design And Estimation,Architecture Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 130000 - 180000