Sr. Navigation Engineer

Advanced Space seeks an accomplished Sr. Navigation Engineer to join our Westminster, Colorado headquarters and lead cutting-edge spacecraft navigation initiatives for lunar and deep-space exploration missions.

The Opportunity

Advanced Space is pioneering the return of humanity to the Moon with innovative technologies and mission concepts. We're seeking a Sr. Navigation Engineer to direct spacecraft navigation across all mission phases—from formulation through active flight operations. This is a full-time position offering the chance to architect navigation systems for ambitious cislunar programs, mentor emerging engineers, and shape the future of space exploration. This is an immediate hiring opportunity, and competitive compensation includes a base salary of $132,000–$174,900, signing bonus, quarterly performance bonuses, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) matching, flexible time off, and relocation assistance.

Your Responsibilities

• Direct spacecraft navigation across mission formulation, tracking architecture design, estimation methodology, and real-time operations.
• Design, develop, and validate advanced Kalman filter implementations for multi-body dynamics, low-thrust regimes, and weak observability conditions.
• Lead flight operations preparation and support, including console operations, real-time orbit determination, and anomaly resolution.
• Architect navigation systems that integrate mission design, guidance and control, communications, and ground station constraints.
• Own navigation analysis and deliverables for major program reviews, presenting performance assessments and technical trades.
• Guide junior navigation engineers in orbit determination, filter theory, measurement modeling, and operational best practices.
• Champion improvements to navigation workflows, tools, and standard operating procedures.
• Contribute to business development and internal research by defining navigation concepts and identifying new mission opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• 8 to 12 years of professional experience in spacecraft navigation, orbit determination, or flight dynamics roles.
• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related field; Master's or PhD in astrodynamics or state estimation preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership of orbit determination campaigns, including filter configuration, force model development, and tracking strategy design.
• Proficiency designing and adapting Kalman filters for new dynamical regimes, including dynamic and bias parameters and stochastic modeling.
• Extensive hands-on experience with astrodynamics software (MONTE, FreeFlyer, ODTK, GMAT, STK) in operational settings.
• Strong background in navigation operations, including operator training, console certification, and on-orbit contingency support.
• Ability to serve as primary navigation point of contact with vendors and partners, driving requirements and conducting system-level trades.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with a proven record of leading technical reviews and navigation analysis.
• U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) required; no visa sponsorship available. Active TS/SCI security clearance or prior clearance history preferred.

About Advanced Space

Advanced Space is transforming space exploration through innovative mission concepts and technologies focused on cislunar operations and deep-space activities. Our Westminster, Colorado team combines world-class engineering talent with the agility needed to accelerate humanity's presence beyond Earth orbit. We value collaboration and maintain a hybrid work environment with a minimum of three days per week in-office to support our mission-focused culture.

Next Steps

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.