GNC Software Intern

The Exploration Company
Munich, Germany
On-site

Who this role is best for

Aerospace engineering students with C++ and Python skills will find this junior role in Munich suits those interested in contributing to orbital vehicle GNC systems within a startup environment.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with academic focus on aerospace or control systems and interest in space technology.
    — “Currently pursuing a BSc or MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related technical discipline.
  • Individuals who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative settings and have a passion for commercial space innovation.
    — “Motivation to work in a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative start-up environment.

Things to consider

  • Relocation may be necessary despite the position being based in Munich.
    — “Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.
  • Background checks are a mandatory condition for employment.
    — “All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with C++ and Python in the context of aerospace or control systems.
    — “Experience programming in C++ and Python. Other languages and tools are considered an asset.
  • Showcase projects involving algorithm development or simulation models for dynamic systems.
    — “Support the development and maintenance of spacecraft simulation environments and 6-degree-of-freedom models.
  • Emphasize analytical problem-solving and initiative in prior academic or professional work.
    — “Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a willingness to learn and take initiative.
  • Demonstrate collaboration and communication skills with examples of cross-team work.
    — “Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and participate in technical discussions and reviews.
Pace · Fast PacedCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · IndividualLevel · Intern

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • Supporting the design and development of the AOCS/GNC subsystem
  • Developing and validating GNC algorithms
Typical background
Pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Physics

Skills & requirements

Required

C++PythonDynamicsOrbital MechanicsFlight MechanicsControl SystemsSoftware Implementation And TestingSimulation Environments

Preferred

Other Programming Languages

Stack & domain

GNC AlgorithmsC++PythonSpacecraft And Mission Conceptual DesignSubsystem Requirements DevelopmentSoftware Implementation And TestingSpacecraft Simulation Environments6-degree-of-freedom ModelsPerformance AnalysisTrade StudiesMission AssessmentsVerification And Validation ActivitiesHardware ModelingIntegrationPerformance EvaluationSoftware ToolsAnalysisTestingReporting TasksAnalyticalProblem-solvingWillingness To LearnInitiativePassion For Advancing The Commercial Space IndustryMotivationCommunicationCollaborationSpaceCommercial Space IndustryAerospace EngineeringControl EngineeringRoboticsApplied MathematicsPhysics

About the role

Original posting from The Exploration Company via Ashby

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.

We want you as a talented GNC Software Intern to contribute to the GNC subsystem design, testing, verification and validation of our vehicles. You will work on multiple aspects of the GNC life cycle: spacecraft and mission conceptual design, subsystem requirements development, algorithm development, software implementation and testing, operations, and post-flight analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

As a GNC Software Intern, your responsibilities will include:

  • Support the design and development of the AOCS/GNC subsystem for The Exploration Company’s spacecraft and missions.
  • Develop, test, and validate GNC algorithms
  • Contribute to the implementation and testing of GNC software within the Flight Software framework.
  • Support the development and maintenance of spacecraft simulation environments and 6-degree-of-freedom models.
  • Assist with performance analysis, trade studies, and mission assessments.
  • Participate in verification and validation activities, including simulation campaigns, unit testing, and Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) testing.
  • Support hardware modeling, integration, and performance evaluation activities.
  • Develop and improve software tools that automate analysis, testing, and reporting tasks.
  • Analyze simulation and test results and help document findings and recommendations.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and participate in technical discussions and reviews.

What we would love to see from you:

  • Currently pursuing a BSc or MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Robotics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or a related technical discipline.
  • Strong understanding of dynamics, orbital mechanics, flight mechanics, or control systems.
  • Experience programming in C++ and Python. Other languages and tools are considered an asset.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a willingness to learn and take initiative.
  • Passion for advancing the commercial space industry.
  • Motivation to work in a fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative start-up environment.
  • Good communication skills and fluency in English. German or French is considered an asset.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

  • We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 
  • We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  
  • We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.  

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

Source: The Exploration Company careers (Ashby)

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