GNC Engineer
Stoke Space · Kent, Washington · United States · On-site
Pay: USD 129,150 – 193,620 a year
Posted Sep 4, 2026
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At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry.
Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us.
Description
As a core member of a small and agile GNC team, you will work on all aspects of launch vehicle and spacecraft dynamics and control including launch into orbit, maneuvering through orbit, and reentry from orbit to a precise landing location. You will own GNC algorithms and trajectory designs from early architecture definition through rigorous qualification test and flight operations. You will work closely with the vehicle hardware design team to develop vehicle control devices and set system-level interfaces. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.
Key Responsibilities
Develop software capabilities such as algorithms for vehicle guidance, attitude control, engine control, and state estimation
Develop and validate vehicle and environment models to simulate GNC algorithm performance and robustness
Ensure system quality and performance through rigorous test
Conduct Monte Carlo analysis of nominal and failure cases to evaluate vehicle performance and flight safety
Document GNC algorithm and plant model verification and validation for regulatory approval and customer mission assurance insight
Oversee new customer trajectory designs and mission capabilities from conception through flight
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or similar
2+ years of relevant industry experience; PhD in aerospace engineering or similar considered as experience
Exceptional command of fundamentals of feedback control system design
Familiarity with fundamentals of orbital mechanics and orbital trajectory design
Experience in guidance, navigation, and control algorithm design and validation
Experience with simulation and modeling of physical systems
Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink
Excellent written and verbal communication
Ability to lead and follow
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or similar.
Benefits
Equity – We are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all full-time employees.
Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life and disability insurance
401(k) plan with employer match
4 weeks’ Paid Time Off
Holidays – 10 days…