GNC Engineer, ADCS
Company: Lynk
Location: Chantilly
Posted on: April 1, 2026
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Job Description:
About Lynk Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to standard
phone technology aka sat2phone, and has the world’s only commercial
license from the FCC to operate a commercial sat2phone system.
Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send
and receive text messages to and from space via standard
unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been tested and
proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more
than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially
based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering
approximately 50 countries. Our technology will enable all 8
billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing
standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what. By
joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the
lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband
to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save
countless lives. Job Summary As a GNC Engineer at Lynk, you will be
responsible for the analysis, design, implementation, optimization
and enhancement of satellite attitude determination and control
systems (ADCS) for the satellites in our constellation. Some of
your work products will include satellite ADCS system level design;
flight code and algorithm design; ADCS component evaluations of
sensors, effectors, etc.; ADCS component design; full hardware in
the loop simulation of satellite dynamics in the lab; and design of
lab test environments and setups to support ADCS development and
testing. Core Responsibilities A GNC Engineer at Lynk will straddle
engineering work in the domains of electrical, mechanical, and
software engineering. Continue to evolve Lynk’s satellite ADCS
architecture including components and systems that provide both
relative and absolute attitude measurements. Refine the Concept of
Operations for the satellite attitude determination and control
system and related ground systems. Interface with Systems
Engineering team to inform constellation and network architecture
and design based on satellite attitude determination and control
system performance. Support development of the 6 DOF simulation
used to support attitude determination and control system
evaluation. Perform analyses to determine satellite ADCS component
performance requirements including performance characteristics,
such as sizing, accuracy, sensor noise, reliability, redundancy,
and fault management options. Specify, evaluate, and select
satellite attitude determination sensors which may include rate
sensors, magnetometers, sun sensors, horizon sensors, thermal
sensors, and star trackers. Specify, evaluate, and select satellite
attitude determination effectors which may include magnetorquers,
reaction wheels, gravity gradient booms, and even propulsive
components. Determine attitude determination sensor and effector
types, number, and placement required on spacecraft. Design and
implement algorithms and software to support various pointing modes
and attitude control scenarios. Evolve Concept of Operations for
both ground and space system operations needed to support satellite
attitude determination and control. Perform integration and test of
satellite ADCS components and software on the satellites and in the
lab. Design and plan payload testing configurations on the ground
when testing satellite attitude determination and control system
performance both in-lab and on-orbit. Support satellite
integration, testing, and delivery to launch providers. Develop and
maintain technical documentation for satellite ADCS architecture
definition, design, and development. Qualifications A Bachelor’s
degree or higher in physics, engineering, or related field. 5 years
of experience with satellite attitude determination and/or control
systems. Recent participation in projects developing space hardware
and software, preferably satellite attitude determination and/or
control. In depth knowledge and hands-on experience with satellite
attitude determination and control system components such as IMUs,
magnetometers, star trackers, reaction wheels, and magnetic torque
rods. Programming proficiency in one or more programming languages
is required, such as Rust, C, Python, MATLAB, etc. Proficiency with
Linux based systems and at least one systems language (C, C++,
Rust, etc.). A solid understanding of version control practices and
tools, including Git. Must be able to work independently and in a
team environment. Nice to Have A Master’s or higher in physics,
engineering, or related field. In depth knowledge of satellite
propulsion systems, propulsion system CONOPS, orbit dynamics, and
low-thrust trajectory planning. Hands-on experience with
programming microcontrollers. ITAR Requirements: To comply with
U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must
be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a
lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee
under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.
Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to
obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of
State. For more information, please refer to the ITAR guidelines.
Learn about ITAR here. Job Location Chantilly, VA
Keywords: Lynk, Bel Air South , GNC Engineer, ADCS, IT / Software / Systems , Chantilly, Maryland
