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

Axiom SpaceHouston, Texas, United StatesOnsite

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.

Life at Axiom Space

Axiom exists . to make living and working in Earth Orbit commonplace . to improve life on Earth . to foster humanity's expansion into Space The International Space Station's life is finite, and the world will soon be in need a of a new space station. Axiom, whose leadership has been involved in every ISS mission since the program's inception, is taking on this challenge by supporting expanded utilization of the ISS today while creating the first international commercial space station to later host government astronauts, private companies, and individual explorers alike. Our low-cost Low Earth Orbit platform access and decades of human spaceflight management experience support the research, testing of exploration-enabling technologies, and in-space manufacturing that will create new opportunities for advanced industries, governments, and educators and enable future human space exploration. Connect with us: instagram.com/axiom.space/ twitter.com/axiom_space facebook.com/axiomspace/
Thrive Here & What We Value1. Mission-driven: Axiom Space's mission focuses on transforming lowEarth orbit into a global space marketplace, emphasizing the importance of innovation and exploration in their company culture.2. Inclusive environment: The organization values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender identity, or other protected characteristics, fostering an inclusive workspace for all team members to thrive.3. Collaborative approach: Axiom Space encourages collaboration among cross-functional teams, promoting a collaborative work environment and mentorship opportunities for junior team members.4. Safety and quality focus: The company prioritizes safety, quality, compliance with regulatory standards, and risk-based decision making to ensure mission success and customer satisfaction.5. Continuous learning: Axiom Space values continuous learning and improvement of testing processes through staying updated on new technologies and methodologies.6. Communication excellence: Effective communication is highly valued at the company, with a focus on sharing findings and recommendations to stakeholders in an impactful manner.7. Problem-solving orientation: The organization encourages strong problem-solving skills and analytical thinking among its employees to address potential risks and challenges effectively.8. Customer service commitment: Axiom Space emphasizes the importance of customer service, ensuring that their team members are committed to meeting customers' needs and expectations.9. Time management focus: The company values time management skills as a key aspect of mission success, with an emphasis on efficient work processes and prioritization.10. Innovation-driven growth: Axiom Space is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in space exploration while fostering a dynamic team that contributes positively to Earth and beyond.

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