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Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer Jobs

Amazon

Senior Satellite GNC Engineer, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

... Attitude Determination and Control team, where we own the full lifecycle of our work - from ... satellite. Our GNC engineers own their algorithms all the way into flight software, working ...

Amazon

Senior Satellite GNC Engineer, Amazon Leo

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

... Attitude Determination and Control team, where we own the full lifecycle of our work - from ... satellite. Our GNC engineers own their algorithms all the way into flight software, working ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$145K - $200K/yr

This role directly supports the reliability and performance of the world's largest satellite ... control systems like Git * Ability to solve complex problems independently in a fast-paced ...

E-Space

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, TX · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Controls (GNC) Engineer to take a key role in the design, development, simulation, and testing of our satellites' attitude determination and control ...

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Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer information

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$36K

$81K

$126.5K

How much do satellite attitude determination control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for satellite attitude determination control engineer in the United States is $81,001.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $97,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a satellite attitude determination control engineer do?

A Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and testing systems that control a satellite's orientation in space. They ensure the satellite points in the correct direction so its instruments, antennas, and solar panels function properly. This involves working with sensors, actuators, control algorithms, and ground testing. These engineers play a crucial role in mission success by maintaining precise satellite positioning during all phases of its operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a satellite attitude determination control engineer?

To thrive as a Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, control systems, and orbital mechanics, typically with at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with MATLAB, Simulink, STK, and programming languages like C/C++ is crucial, along with experience using sensors, actuators, and simulation environments. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills enable you to address complex technical challenges and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the precise orientation and stability of satellites, which is essential for mission success and spacecraft safety.

What are some common challenges faced by satellite attitude determination control engineers when working on multi-satellite missions?

Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineers often encounter unique challenges during multi-satellite missions, such as ensuring precise coordination and maintaining reliable communication between satellites. Managing the increased complexity of attitude control algorithms and mitigating the risk of interference or collision are essential. Additionally, engineers must carefully calibrate sensors and actuators across all satellites to achieve synchronized maneuvers, often working closely with systems engineers and mission operators to troubleshoot issues in real-time. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to dynamic mission requirements.

What is the difference between Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer vs Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectSatellite Attitude Determination Control EngineerSatellite Systems Engineer
Primary FocusAttitude control, orientation, and stabilization of satellitesOverall satellite system design, integration, and performance
Required SkillsControl systems, sensors, actuators, orbital mechanicsSystems engineering, communication, power systems, subsystems integration
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, satellite development projects, aerospace companiesSatellite design teams, aerospace firms, mission planning

While both roles are involved in satellite development, the Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer specializes in the satellite's orientation and stabilization systems, whereas the Satellite Systems Engineer oversees the entire satellite system integration and performance. The former focuses more on control algorithms and sensors, while the latter manages broader system design and functionality.

What are popular job titles related to Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer jobs?

For Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Satellite Attitude Determination Control Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Special Aerospace Services
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Special Aerospace Servicesexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems Engineer
Chantilly, VA
Who We Are
Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability.
Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter, fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.
Position Summary
Seeking an engineer with technical expertise in Spacecraft Attitude Control Systems to support the Vehicle Engineering Branch with the Space and Launch (S&L) Division. S&L provides technical and programmatic support to coordinate and execute acquisition, vehicle engineering, adjunct payload accommodation, and integration, test and launch functions for spacecraft and adjunct payloads. The position will be located in Chantilly, VA and requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph.
In this role, you will be an integral participant in subsystem analysis, architecture, requirements development and verification of Attitude Control Systems. Key areas of focus include control theory systems engineering, review of contractor designs, and evaluation of operating modes. Furthermore, this role requires a background in astrodynamics analysis such as orbit design and orbit-attitude interaction
Key Responsibilities
The following tasks are representative of those that will be accomplished at the request of the customer:
  • Knowledge of satellite attitude control algorithms (eg Kalman filter based attitude determination, Control Moment Gyroscope steering algorithms, multi-body dynamics, controls-structures interactions)
  • Knowledge of astrodynamics applications (eg orbit determination, orbit maintenance, orbit design)
  • Knowledge of attitude control hardware requirements, manufacture and test to include control moment gyroscopes, star trackers, torque rods, thrusters, and moving mechanical actuators
  • Support the customer in the design, integration and test of the ACS subsystem
  • Review and coordinate on all changes to specifications, lCDs and system-level requirements documentation for the ACS subsystem
  • Provide expert advice/analysis on ACS considerations for new satellite/payload developments
  • Coordinate with bus development POC, S&L subsystem leads, branch chiefs and division chiefs
  • Provide technical evaluation of ACS efforts in contractor Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs)
  • ldentify and assess emerging risks; develop and evaluate proposed burn-down plans
  • Provide expert advice/analysis on accommodation considerations for new satellite/payload developments
  • Review prime contractor readiness to proceed into spacecraft manufacturing and test
  • Support factory integration and test activities as needed
  • Provide support to launch and satellite on-orbit test as needed
  • Attend contractor milestone reviews (e.g. PDR, CDR, pre-test, pre-ship and other meetings) to provide technically based recommendations regarding satisfaction of review entrance and exit criteria
  • Attend system-level design reviews, and program management reviews to assess design maturity, requirements compliance and to provide informed technical recommendations to the USG
  • Attend Vehicle Engineering branch meetings
  • Support the customer in the review of financial and earned value reports
  • Develop productive relationships with prime contractor counterparts, functional counterparts, and other spacecraft subsystem subject matter experts

Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
  • Bachelors Degree in Aerospace, Astronautical, or Mechanical Engineering
  • 10-15 years professional experience
  • Experience in the design & integration of satellite buses
  • Knowledgeable of launch & flight operations of space vehicles
  • Working knowledge of control theory, reaction wheel/control moment gyro, star sensor/tracker, inertial reference units/sensors, sun sensor, magnetic torque rod, GPS receiver, and control algorithm development.
  • Strong understanding of attitude control related hardware
  • In depth knowledge of Matlab/Simulink, STK, and Python
  • Knowledge of NASTRAN useful

How You Will Be Rewarded
The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $220.000 annually. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate's work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees� health, well-being, and professional growth.
Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, or government contractual obligation. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicant's citizenship but only requires the applicant to be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.
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