GNC Architect

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

We are seeking a talented GNC Architect to support the development of advanced space missions and platforms.

This is an exciting opportunity to take technical ownership of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) architectures within cutting-edge space programmes, working alongside multidisciplinary teams in a highly innovative environment.

• Location: London
• On Site: 1-2x a month
• Clearance: Clearable 
• Experience Level: Mid Level

Key Responsibilities:

• Defining GNC architectures and associated technical roadmaps.
• Translating mission and system requirements into GNC design solutions.
• Developing navigation, control, and estimation strategies.
• Managing interfaces between GNC, avionics, systems, software, and AIT teams.
• Supporting system modelling, simulation, and performance analysis activities.
• Leading technical trade studies and design decisions.
• Contributing to design reviews and technical governance activities.
• Supporting integration, verification, validation, and operational readiness activities.
• Identifying and mitigating technical risks associated with GNC performance.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Proven experience within the Space industry (essential).
• Significant experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control engineering for spacecraft, satellites, launch systems, or other space platforms.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, attitude determination, and control systems.
• Experience defining or owning GNC architectures within complex engineering programmes.
• Expertise in system modelling, simulation, and performance analysis.
• Experience with requirements management, verification, and validation activities.
• Strong understanding of the full engineering lifecycle, from concept through qualification and operations.
• Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent modelling and simulation tools.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience developing autonomous navigation, rendezvous, proximity operations, or precision control solutions.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards and space industry best practices.
• Knowledge of sensor fusion, state estimation, filtering, and flight dynamics.
• Experience supporting mission analysis and trajectory design activities.
• Understanding of spacecraft avionics and flight software interfaces.
• Experience participating in PDR, CDR, qualification, and acceptance reviews.
• Knowledge of AIT, mission operations, and in-orbit commissioning activities.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication skills.
• Experience working within consultancy environments or complex multi-partner projects.

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

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