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Senior Manager, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC)

Axiom Space

Axiom Space

Houston, TX, USA
Posted on May 7, 2025

Axiom Space is building for beyond, guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. We foster a diverse environment inclusive of all perspectives. We are the pioneers of commercial space, leading the transformation of low-Earth orbit into a global space marketplace. Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic person who is fueled by problem-solving, continuously curious, and driven to understand our world, science/technology, and life itself, for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.

The Senior GNC Manager will be responsible for managing the budget, schedule, and execution of all Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) activities supporting the Axiom Station modules and the Axiom Pathfinder vehicle. This includes oversight of hardware procurement, hardware and software testing, as well as algorithm development and validation. The role involves making strategic decisions related to hardware selection, algorithm trade studies, and task prioritization to drive continuous improvement in the GNC team’s technical products and capabilities.

The Senior GNC Manager will coordinate closely with cross-functional teams, ensuring appropriate collaboration and integration across engineering disciplines. This includes proactively engaging other internal stakeholders and incorporating their input into the GNC development lifecycle. In addition, the GNC Manager will serve as a key interface with NASA, ensuring that all Axiom GNC deliverables and systems meet applicable NASA requirements and standards.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the GNC engineering team in the design, development, integration, and testing of guidance, navigation, and control systems for spaceflight and aerospace vehicles

  • Define and manage GNC technical requirements, performance metrics, and verification plans in alignment with program objectives

  • Oversee modeling, simulation, and algorithm development for trajectory optimization, attitude control, sensor fusion, and state estimation

  • Coordinate cross-functional integration of GNC systems with avionics, propulsion, software, and mission operations teams

  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a multidisciplinary team of engineers, ensuring high standards of engineering excellence and innovation

  • Serve as the primary GNC technical authority in program reviews, design reviews, and customer or stakeholder briefings

  • Drive continuous improvement in GNC processes, tools, and methodologies to enhance system performance and reliability

  • Evaluate and manage risks associated with GNC systems and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle

  • Lead hiring, onboarding, and performance management activities for the GNC team to support current and future program needs

  • Stay informed of emerging technologies and research in GNC systems and evaluate their applicability to current and future projects

  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define project scope, goals, and deliverables

  • Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership

  • Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle

  • Perform additional job duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minimum of 10 years of experience leading technical teams, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience

  • 10+ years of experience leading technical teams

  • Minimum of 10+ years of experience in Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) environment

  • Experience with Atlassian suite preferred

  • Ability to work effectively in an Agile/Scrum environment

  • Proven ability to solve complex problems and proactively address project challenges

  • Excellent time management and organizational skills, with a track record of meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high quality standards

  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

Skills

  • Excellent interpersonal skill

  • Excellent communication skill, verbal and written

  • Excellent organizational skills

  • Result oriented personality with a creative approach to problem solving

  • Ability to work in a team environment

  • Self-motivated

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task

Requirements

  • Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation

  • Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised

  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position

Physical Requirements

  • Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)

  • May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)

  • Equipment and Machines

  • Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.)

LIT Principles

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following principles:

Leadership

  • Integrity First

  • Safety Always

  • Transcend

  • Excellence

Innovation

  • Create

  • Iterate

  • Disrupt

  • Bold

Teamwork

  • Together

  • Unstoppable

  • Humility

  • Relentless

Axiom Space is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Axiom Space does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.