Head of GNC

Our client is an early-stage space and defense company focused on protecting and enabling the future of civilization in orbit. Leveraging — and protecting against — emerging capabilities in super heavy launch and autonomous space systems, they are building a new generation of spacecraft designed to inspect, defend, and interact with critical orbital infrastructure. These capabilities are foundational not only for mission assurance but also for establishing credible deterrence in an increasingly contested space domain.

This is a generational organization that will be at the forefront of establishing a rules-based order for humanity as it begins to thrive off of Earth's surface.

Backed by top-tier investors and led by a second-time founder, the company has closed a significant seed round and is rapidly scaling a team capable of delivering reliable, intelligent space vehicles in support of both national security and commercial customers.

This is a direct hire, permanent placement position for a client of AdAstra Talent Advisors.

About the Role

As the Head of Guidance, Navigation, and Control, you will lead our client’s GNC function within the Engineering Division, owning the architecture, performance, and delivery of flight‑critical control systems across their autonomous spacecraft portfolio. You will define and lead the development of flight‑critical algorithms enabling autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations (RPO), and precision maneuvering in contested environments.

This is a technical leadership role, not a pure management position. You will set the technical direction for GNC across the company, own system‑level performance, and build and lead a team capable of delivering mission‑critical autonomy from concept through flight.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in control theory, estimation, and orbital mechanics, combined with a track record of delivering flight‑proven systems and leading high‑performing engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end GNC architecture across all spacecraft programs, ensuring performance, robustness, and mission alignment
• Define and drive technical strategy and roadmap for autonomy‑enabled control systems in dynamic and contested environments
• Lead the design, implementation, and validation of GNC algorithms for RPO, formation flying, and precision maneuvering
• Oversee development of ADCS, orbit determination, and state estimation systems with flight‑level reliability
• Establish and enforce engineering standards, modeling practices, and verification methodologies across the GNC domain
• Drive integration of GNC with flight software, autonomy, avionics, and mission systems
• Own simulation, Monte Carlo analysis, and performance validation under uncertainty, off‑nominal conditions, and failure scenarios
• Lead hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and flight test campaigns, ensuring readiness for operational deployment
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high‑caliber GNC team, setting a high bar for technical excellence and accountability
• Act as the technical authority for GNC, supporting executive decisions, customer engagements, and program reviews

Required Qualifications

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in spacecraft, launch vehicle, or autonomous system GNC
• Demonstrated ownership of flight‑critical GNC systems from concept through on‑orbit operations
• Deep expertise in control systems, nonlinear dynamics, and state estimation (e.g., Kalman filtering)
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and deliver complex systems under schedule and performance constraints
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++
• Experience integrating algorithms into embedded flight software and HIL environments
• Strong systems engineering mindset with the ability to operate across disciplines
• Strong experience with relative motion, orbital mechanics, and RPO or formation flying missions
• Meaningful equity in the company
• 100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision for you and your family
• Unlimited and flexible PTO
• Become a part of a performance‑focused, people‑first culture

Logistical Requirements

• Ability to obtain or hold an active TS/SCI clearance
• This position is in‑person

Location

About AdAstra

AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.

At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.

We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.