Lead GNC Controls Engineer
Be one of the Bedo 100Albedo is revolutionizing the space industry by building technology to commercialize Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). Our first satellite, Clarity-1, is built upon our Precision bus, our VLEO-optimized platform designed specifically to thrive where other satellites cannot. With the successful launch of Clarity-1, we've proven our ability to deliver the highest resolution visible (10cm) and thermal (2m) imagery available commercially from space—a resolution previously possible only with aircraft and drones, but now available globally and on-demand.Through the next couple of years, our focuses will be scaling production of our Precision bus to support the growing Clarity constellation and serving our customers the highest-resolution data. As part of the first 100 employees at Albedo, you will have a direct impact on on the above goals, whether that’s working directly on hardware to enhance our performance in VLEO, optimizing the pointing algorithms of our agile satellite, or delivering imagery to reduce wildfire risk, monitor carbon emissions from industrial power plants, or inform decision-makers on national security matters.How We Operate:Albedo has developed a novel approach to Very Low Earth Orbit, both in space and with our business model. We are intentionally doing things differently by taking (calculated) risks, trying new things, and moving with speed. In age where AI presents extraordinary potential, we’ve adopted an AI-first mentality to create leverage for ourselves and customers. Like our satellites, we intentionally operate in a space that most avoid because its hard — but the excitement and things we have and will achieve make it worth it.Who We're Looking For:
As we scale our VLEO platform and expand our constellation, we need innovative thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about pushing technological boundaries. You'll be joining a team that's already proven it can achieve the impossible with the successful deployment of Clarity-1. If you're excited to tackle top-tier technical challenges, apply cutting-edge AI developments, and advance the state-of-the-art in VLEO technology, you'll find yourself part of a mission that's transforming how humanity sees and understands our planet—and eventually, other worlds.If you can feel the excitement running through your veins, apply to be one of the Bedo 100.
As a Lead GNC Controls Engineer, you’ll own the design, simulation, and tuning of Albedo’s pointing and motion control algorithms. You’ll play a central role in translating high-level image quality requirements into closed-loop control implementations, working closely with flight software, simulation, and payload teams. From jitter suppression to agile slew maneuvers, your designs will determine the stability and agility of the world’s most exquisite commercial imaging satellites. What You’ll Do:
Design, simulate, and tune control laws (classical and modern) for agile body-pointing and scanning maneuvers
Translate image motion requirements into system-level and component-level control allocations
Analyze and mitigate structural dynamics and actuator-induced disturbances
Work with simulation engineers to develop and validate control system performance across a 6DOF model
Collaborate with avionics and FSW teams to integrate algorithms into real-time software and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
Support attitude control and pointing performance verification across development, test, and flight Your Ideal Skills and Experience:
Have 7–12 years of experience in spacecraft or robotic control system design
Are fluent in classical control analysis (Bode, Nichols, root locus) and modern techniques (LQR, MPC, optimization-based
Can implement and validate control algorithms in both MATLAB/Simulink and C++
Understand how to model actuator dynamics, sensor noise, and structural modes
Have experience tuning control laws for tight pointing requirements, jitter suppression, or agile maneuvers
Familiarity with CMGs, momentum management, or over-actuated control allocation
Experience with embedded controls in a flight-like real-time environment
Prior work on image-motion-sensitive systems (e.g., EO payloads, optical benches)
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and simulation validation workflows Compensation and Benefits
Employee friendlyequity compensation
Asynchronous culture with flexible working hours
4% direct matching 401k
Insurance: Medical, Vision, Dental, Mental Health
Parental leave and childcare coverage
Relocation bonus for moving to our Denver, CO HQ
Flexible vacation from day one
12 company holidays and flexible sick time
$100 monthly wellness benefit
Team retreats to build relationships in-person
Salary range aligns with the company's compensation structure, which compensates at market rates of 50th percentile salary and 75th percentile equity. The company uses market data provided by Pave to determine percentiles. The final compensation package is subject to change if the candidate's experience and company need drive a different job level than originally slated for the position. Additional Information
Full-Time On-Site Work Environment:This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site full-time. Travel to other possible non-Albedo locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.
Albedo does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Albedo employees. Albedo is not responsible for any fees or overhead related to unsolicited resumes.
Additional Requirements: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. All persons hired will be required to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled: Albedo is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Know Your Rights || Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
Relocation:Relocation for this position is available
US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED
#LI-Onsite
Apply Now
As we scale our VLEO platform and expand our constellation, we need innovative thinkers who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about pushing technological boundaries. You'll be joining a team that's already proven it can achieve the impossible with the successful deployment of Clarity-1. If you're excited to tackle top-tier technical challenges, apply cutting-edge AI developments, and advance the state-of-the-art in VLEO technology, you'll find yourself part of a mission that's transforming how humanity sees and understands our planet—and eventually, other worlds.If you can feel the excitement running through your veins, apply to be one of the Bedo 100.
As a Lead GNC Controls Engineer, you’ll own the design, simulation, and tuning of Albedo’s pointing and motion control algorithms. You’ll play a central role in translating high-level image quality requirements into closed-loop control implementations, working closely with flight software, simulation, and payload teams. From jitter suppression to agile slew maneuvers, your designs will determine the stability and agility of the world’s most exquisite commercial imaging satellites. What You’ll Do:
Design, simulate, and tune control laws (classical and modern) for agile body-pointing and scanning maneuvers
Translate image motion requirements into system-level and component-level control allocations
Analyze and mitigate structural dynamics and actuator-induced disturbances
Work with simulation engineers to develop and validate control system performance across a 6DOF model
Collaborate with avionics and FSW teams to integrate algorithms into real-time software and hardware-in-the-loop testbeds
Support attitude control and pointing performance verification across development, test, and flight Your Ideal Skills and Experience:
Have 7–12 years of experience in spacecraft or robotic control system design
Are fluent in classical control analysis (Bode, Nichols, root locus) and modern techniques (LQR, MPC, optimization-based
Can implement and validate control algorithms in both MATLAB/Simulink and C++
Understand how to model actuator dynamics, sensor noise, and structural modes
Have experience tuning control laws for tight pointing requirements, jitter suppression, or agile maneuvers
Familiarity with CMGs, momentum management, or over-actuated control allocation
Experience with embedded controls in a flight-like real-time environment
Prior work on image-motion-sensitive systems (e.g., EO payloads, optical benches)
Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing and simulation validation workflows Compensation and Benefits
Employee friendlyequity compensation
Asynchronous culture with flexible working hours
4% direct matching 401k
Insurance: Medical, Vision, Dental, Mental Health
Parental leave and childcare coverage
Relocation bonus for moving to our Denver, CO HQ
Flexible vacation from day one
12 company holidays and flexible sick time
$100 monthly wellness benefit
Team retreats to build relationships in-person
Salary range aligns with the company's compensation structure, which compensates at market rates of 50th percentile salary and 75th percentile equity. The company uses market data provided by Pave to determine percentiles. The final compensation package is subject to change if the candidate's experience and company need drive a different job level than originally slated for the position. Additional Information
Full-Time On-Site Work Environment:This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site full-time. Travel to other possible non-Albedo locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.
Albedo does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to Albedo employees. Albedo is not responsible for any fees or overhead related to unsolicited resumes.
Additional Requirements: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. All persons hired will be required to be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled: Albedo is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Know Your Rights || Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
Relocation:Relocation for this position is available
US CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED
#LI-Onsite
Apply Now