GN&C Hardware Engineer

At Relative Dynamics we value knowledge as a process rather than knowledge as an answer. Founded in 2011 our goal is to define the new space era by continuously pushing the boundaries of engineering services and technology development. Visit us at www.relativedynamics.space.

Relative Dynamics is a subcontractor supporting a Commercial Space contract. In this role, you will be employed by Relative Dynamics and assigned to work on projects in support of a Commercial Space project.

Relative Dynamics is seeking a GN&C Hardware Engineer to support the lunar mission portfolio for a Commercial Space customer. This is a hybrid role requiring regular on-site work in Houston, TX. This role is not eligible for remote work.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• Support the selection, specification, and integration of GN&C flight hardware, including sensors and actuators, across multiple missions.

• Develop hardware requirements and interface definitions in collaboration with GN&C, avionics, and systems engineering teams.

• Support procurement, vendor technical management, and hardware qualification activities.

• Perform hardware trade studies, performance analyses, and risk assessments.

• Support environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMI/EMC) and acceptance testing of GN&C hardware.

• Assist with hardware integration, troubleshooting, and anomaly resolution during assembly, integration, and test (AIT).

• Support GN&C hardware verification and validation activities, including test planning and execution.

• Contribute to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and integrated system test campaigns

• Generate hardware documentation, including specifications, test procedures, and verification reports.

• Support flight readiness, mission operations preparation, and post-test/post-flight analysis as required.

What You’ll Need:

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience supporting spacecraft GN&C hardware development, integration, or test.

• Experience working with aerospace flight hardware suppliers and qualification processes.

• Familiarity with GN&C sensors and actuators such as IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, and thrusters.

• Experience with camera and lens design parameters (focal length, IFOV, FOV, etc.), camera calibration, and hardware testing.

• Understanding of spacecraft avionics architectures and hardware interfaces.

• Experience supporting environmental and functional testing of flight hardware.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.

• Flexible and adaptable to changing program needs and schedules.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with integrated optical design and software tools (ZEMAX, etc.), multi-bounce ray-tracing tools (FRED, etc.), camera baffledesignand optimization.

• Experience with camera/optical thermal and radiation testing.

• Experience with principles of optical navigation and/or observational astronomy, including image processing as it pertains to spacecraft navigation.

Who You Are:

• Effective communicator who can translate complex technical concepts across multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders

• Customer-focused, with the ability to support government and agency partners while maintaining high service standards

• Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting commitments in regulated and deadline-driven environments

• Productive and results-oriented, balancing quality, efficiency, and innovation across projects

• Collaborative team player who contributes to shared goals and overall organizational success

What You'll Enjoy:

• Grow your career with mobility, continuous learning, tuition reimbursement, and a personal development program in a culture that rewards innovation and impact

• Join a high-performing team that works together on meaningful, mission-driven work and support each other.

• Enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life/disability coverage, 401(k) with match, PTO, company holidays, and community engagement opportunities

Relative Dynamics conducts a comprehensive background check that includes drug testing. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.