Navigation Engineer (2-5 yrs)

Advanced Space | Full-time | Hybrid

We’re going to the Moon. Think you’ve got what it takes?

About the Role

At Advanced Space, we're enabling humanity's return to the Moon and building the technologies that will take us to Mars and beyond. We're looking for a Navigation Engineer with 2-5 years of experience to help develop advanced spacecraft navigation solutions that support some of the most ambitious missions in the space industry.

In this role, you'll develop navigation algorithms, perform orbit determination analyses, and support mission-critical navigation systems across a variety of lunar and deep-space missions. You'll work alongside experienced engineers to improve estimation techniques, develop navigation software, and contribute to real spacecraft missions—including NASA's CAPSTONE™ mission, AFRL's Oracle mission, and next-generation commercial, civil, and national security programs.

We're looking for someone who enjoys solving challenging technical problems, is eager to grow their expertise in spacecraft navigation, and wants to make a direct impact on missions that are flying—not just being imagined.

This position is open to U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) only. Visa sponsorship is not available.

About Advanced Space

Advanced Space exists to enable the sustainable exploration, development, and settlement of space through innovative software, mission services, and technology solutions. As the owner and operator of NASA's CAPSTONE™ mission and the Prime Contractor for AFRL's Oracle mission, we're helping shape the future of cislunar exploration while supporting commercial, civil, and national security customers.

Our team combines deep technical expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset. We move quickly, collaborate across disciplines, and empower every engineer to make meaningful contributions. If you're passionate about solving challenging problems and seeing your work fly in space, you'll fit right in.

What You'll Actually Do

Develop spacecraft navigation solutions.

Design, implement, and improve spacecraft navigation algorithms that support mission planning, flight operations, and technology development. Help advance estimation techniques for challenging mission environments while contributing to navigation software used on real missions.

Perform orbit determination and navigation analyses.

Configure force models, measurement models, and estimation setups to evaluate mission performance. Process tracking data, perform residual analysis, assess filter performance, and interpret navigation uncertainties to ensure accurate spacecraft state estimation.

Support mission software development.

Develop scripts and software that improve navigation analysis workflows and contribute to ground and flight software used for spacecraft navigation. Evaluate legacy approaches while helping implement more capable estimation solutions.

Collaborate across engineering teams.

Work closely with mission design, flight dynamics, software, and systems engineering teams to integrate navigation solutions into larger mission architectures. Contribute to technical discussions and support design reviews throughout the mission lifecycle.

Grow your technical expertise.

Learn from experienced navigation engineers while contributing to cutting-edge lunar and deep-space missions. Help improve internal tools, participate in research and development efforts, and support proposals for future exploration missions.

Who Thrives Here

• You have 2–5 years of experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, astrodynamics, or a closely related field.
• You have a strong understanding of state estimation and Kalman filter fundamentals.
• You're familiar with common spacecraft navigation filter architectures.
• You have experience performing orbit determination analyses and configuring force models, measurement models, and estimation setups.
• You're comfortable processing radiometric, optical, GPS, or similar spacecraft tracking data.
• You understand covariance analysis, navigation uncertainty, and filter diagnostics.
• You have experience using industry-standard astrodynamics or navigation tools such as MONTE, GMAT, STK, ODTK, or similar.
• You have scripting or software development experience that supports navigation analysis or spacecraft software development.
• You enjoy collaborating across engineering disciplines and solving technically challenging problems.
• You take ownership. When you see a challenge, you work with the team to solve it.

Bonus Points if You Have Experience With

• MONTE astrodynamics toolkit
• Navigation flight operations
• Mission design or maneuver planning
• Systems integration, interface control documents (ICDs), or verification activities
• Engineering processes and configuration management
• Proposal support or IRAD development
• Cislunar or deep-space missions
• A Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Astrodynamics, or a related discipline

Success is Measured By

• Delivering accurate, reliable navigation analyses that support mission success.
• Developing robust navigation algorithms and estimation solutions.
• Producing high-quality orbit determination analyses and technical recommendations.
• Improving navigation tools, software, and engineering workflows.
• Collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Contributing to successful mission execution, technology development, and future mission proposals.

Why Join Advanced Space

• Work on real missions that are shaping the future of lunar and deep-space exploration.
• Help develop navigation solutions for cutting-edge spacecraft and mission concepts.
• Collaborate with some of the industry's top experts in astrodynamics, autonomy, and mission design.
• Be part of a growing company where your technical contributions have a direct impact on mission success.
• Join a team that's passionate about delivering innovation to orbit—and beyond.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $92,000–$121,000 (based on experience, qualifications, and location)
• Signing bonus
• Quarterly performance bonuses
• Company-sponsored medical benefits and 401(k)
• Flexible time off
• Relocation assistance

Advanced Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.