--- title: 'Spacecraft Orbiter Guidance, Navigation, and Control Software Engineer at ispace, inc.' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/spacecraft-orbiter-guidance-navigation-and-control-software-engineer-ispace-inc-mdqp27rz964n' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-10-13' --- # Spacecraft Orbiter Guidance, Navigation, and Control Software Engineer at ispace, inc. - **Company:** ispace, inc. - **Location:** Tokyo, Japan - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** hybrid - **Posted:** 2026-03-17 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-13 - **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/ispace-inc/74a3f295-2eb8-489b-9834-ed80fb77aebd ## Job description ispace is looking for Spacecraft Orbiter Guidance, Navigation, and Control Software Engineer to join our growing team in Tokyo. In this role, you will be developing the orbiter Guidance Navigation Subsystem for the lunar lander. Perform design analysis related to orbiter GNC and detailed design of GNC algorithms based on higher-level requirements. Perform algorithm implementation and testing in coordination with software engineers and GNC engineers. Participate in the testing, verification and validation phase of the GNC flight software. Support flight software integration activities and perform troubleshooting and testing, as well as mission operations and preparation activities. 月着陸船の軌道系誘導航法制御サブシステムの開発を行う。軌道系GNCに関する設計解析、上位要求に基づくGNC算術処理則の詳細設計を行う。ソフトウェアエンジニアやGNCエンジニアと協調してアルゴリズムの実装、試験を行う。GNCフライトソフトウェアの試験、検証および妥当性確認活動に参加する。フライトソフトウェア統合活動を支援し、トラブルシューティングと試験を実施するとともに、ミッション運用および準備活動を行う。 #LI-Hybrid ## Key responsibilities (1) Develop orbiter GNC design and perform GNC-related analysis (such as guidance law design and analysis, control law design and performance analysis, thruster duty analysis, DV analysis, attitude dynamics analysis, sloshing and flexible dynamics, navigation filter design, covariance analysis, various GNC sensor evaluation, etc) by using control engineering tools as well as software development activities. (2) Verify and validate the designed and implemented GNC algorithm by software test and simulation. Support the software test plan and execution for the GNC related functions and evaluate the test result from GNC design perspective, from unit and functional to systems tests. Be engaged in Model-In-the-Loop (MIL), Software-In-the-Loop (SIL), Processor-In-the-Loop (PIL) and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) simulation campaign and exhaustively validate the design algorithm. (3) Conduct and support pre, post and during operations flight analysis activities and participate in flight operation as a member of orbiter GNC teams. Develop flight operation procedures and support interface and tool design with the ground system from GNC perspective as collaboratively working with the system and operation team. (4) Perform troubleshooting of GNC FSW algorithms and components and propose solutions to mitigate errors and misbehaviors in the GNC subsystem (5) Document the technical specifications of the GNC subsystem with a deep understanding of the functions and relations with other subsystems. (1) 軌道系誘導航法制御に関する設計解析（誘導制御則設計、制御性能解析、スラスタ制御解析、DV解析、姿勢力学解析、スロッシング、柔軟ダイナミクス解析、航法フィルタ設計、誤差共分散解析、GNCセンサ評価など）を制御工学ツールとソフトウェア開発活動を通して実施する。 (2) ソフトウェア試験およびシミュレーションによりGNCアルゴリズムの妥当性確認および検証を行う。GNC関連機能のソフトウェアテスト計画および実行を支援し、ユニットテスト、機能テストからシステムテストに至るまで、GNC設計の観点からテスト結果を評価する。Model-In-the-Loop (MIL), Software-in-the-loop (SIL), Processor-in-the-loop (PIL), Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL)などの静的閉ループ試験を行い、GNCサブシステム設計の妥当性確認と検証を行う。 (3) フライト前、運用中、フライト後の解析を行う。軌道系GNCチームとして運用に従事する。システムチームおよび運用チームとともにGNCの運用手順を開発し、地上システムとのインタフェースおよびツール設計を支援する。 (4) GNC FSWアルゴリズムおよびコンポーネントのトラブルシューティングを実施し、GNCサブシステムにおけるエラーや誤動作を軽減するための解決策を提案する。 (5) GNCサブシステムの技術仕様を、その機能および他サブシステムとの関連性を深く理解した上で文書化する。 ## Basic qualifications ・5+ years of experience of Attitude and Orbit Control Subystem (AOCS) or Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystem engineering ・Experience in developing navigation algorithms (extended Kalman filter, orbital attitude and position calculations etc.) for spacecraft ・Experience in developing attitude control algorithms (PID control, thruster commanding, modulation and allocation, etc.) for spacecraft ・Experience of 6DOF Simulations (state propagation, dynamics and hardware modelling and close loop integration) for spacecraft ・Experience of C/C++, Python, Git ・Enthusiastic attitude and good team player ・Excellent communication skills ・Business level English ・5年以上のAOCS/GNCサブシステム開発の経験を有すること ・宇宙機に関する航法アルゴリズム（拡張カルマンフィルタ、姿勢および軌道計算等）開発の経験を有すること ・宇宙機に関する姿勢制御アルゴリズム（PID制御、スラスターコマンド、モジュレーションおよびスラスタ分配等）開発の経験を有すること ・宇宙機に関する6自由度シミュレーション（状態量伝搬、ダイナミクス、ハードうえぁモデリングおよび閉ループ統合）の経験を有すること ・C/C++, Python, Gitを用いた開発経験を有すること ・向上心と積極性を持っていること、良いチームプレイヤーであること ・高いコミュニ―ケーション能力を有すること ・ビジネスレベル以上の英語での意思疎通ができること ## Preferred qualifications ・10+ years of experience of AOCS or GNC subsystem engineering ・Experience of systems engineering within the space industry ・Experience of spacecraft operation ・Experience of MATLAB/Simulink ・Experience of software integration with different programming languages, C/C++, Python, Matlab, etc. ・Experience in real time FSW implementations ・Business level Japanese comminication skill (speaking and writing) ・10年以上のAOCS/GNCサブシステム開発の経験を有すること ・宇宙分野におけるシステム設計の経験を有すること ・宇宙機の運用経験を有すること ・MATLAB/Simulinkの経験を有すること ・C/C++、Python、Matlabなど、異なるプログラミング言語を用いたソフトウェア統合の経験 ・リアルタイムFSW実装の経験 ・ビジネスレベル以上の日本語での意思疎通ができること Others : ・Support development studies of space vehicles for future missions ・将来ミッションのための宇宙機開発や実現性検討の支援 ## About ispace, inc. ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: ispace is a global lunar exploration company developing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon and building the foundation for a sustainable cislunar economy. - **Entity Type**: Public (listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2023) - **Headquarters**: Tokyo, Japan (with offices in Denver, Colorado, USA and Luxembourg) - **Founded**: September 2010 - **Founders**: Takeshi Hakamada (Founder & CEO) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Space exploration / Lunar transportation services - **Target customers**: B2B (space agencies, commercial payload operators, research organizations) - **Mission**: “Extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon.” ## Products & Services - **Lunar Lander Missions**: ispace designs, builds and operates robotic lunar landers. Current missions include “Mission 2.5” and the upcoming “Mission 3” featuring the new larger ULTRA lander. - **Payload Development & Integration**: Offers payload hosting and development services for lunar orbiting and landing missions. - **Lunar Surface Data**: Sale and survey of Moon surface data for research and commercial use. - **Space Resource R&D**: Research and development focused on utilizing lunar water resources. - **Marketing Support**: Supports space content industries with marketing services related to lunar activities. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed in provided sources (publicly listed, market cap fluctuates) - **Key Metric**: Total funding record – raised a record 10.35 billion yen in Series A in 2017 (private round). As a public company, revenue is reported but not listed in these materials. - **Notable Investors/Partners**: The company evolved from Team HAKUTO, a finalist in the Google Lunar XPRIZE. Global presence includes ispace technologies U.S. inc. and ispace Europe SA. - **Growth Signals**: - 317 employees as of March 31, 2025 - First Japanese space company to list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (2023) - Multiple missions in the pipeline (Mission 2.5, Mission 3 with ULTRA lander) - Global offices in Japan, USA, and Luxembourg ## Competitive Advantages - **Early mover in commercial lunar services**: One of the few private companies with flight heritage (first mission launched in 2022). - **End‑to‑end lunar transportation**: Offers landers, payload integration, and data services – a vertically integrated lunar logistics provider. - **Global footprint**: Engineering and business presence across three continents enables access to diverse customers and talent. - **Heritage from Google Lunar XPRIZE**: Team HAKUTO experience provides technical and operational credibility. ## Strategic Focus ispace is focused on achieving high‑frequency, low‑cost lunar transportation to construct an Earth‑Moon economic zone. Key priorities include: - Launching Mission 2.5 and the larger ULTRA lander on Mission 3 - Developing space resource utilization (especially water on the Moon) - Expanding payload and data services to support a growing cislunar infrastructure - Scaling globally through its offices in Japan, the US, and Europe ## Why Work Here - **Diverse, inclusive culture**: As of December 2025, ispace reports ~24% non‑Japanese nationality and ~45% Japanese nationality, reflecting a commitment to global diversity. - **Mission‑driven team**: “Driven by a shared passion, our Crew of engineers, scientists and experts are shaping the future of space.” - **Work options**: Roles range from on‑site (Tokyo, Denver, Luxembourg) to hybrid (Tokyo CFO Office). Engineering roles include R&D, propulsion, GNC, and spacecraft systems. - **Fast‑growing organization**: 317 employees and growing, with a clear trajectory of missions and revenue expansion. - **Perks & culture**: Emphasis on inclusive hiring, professional development, and equitable pay; “true innovation comes when diverse viewpoints collaborate as equals.” ## Sources 1. [ispace Home Page](https://www.ispace-inc.com/) 2. [About Us – ispace](https://2022.ispace-inc.com/aboutus) 3. [Careers – ispace](https://www.ispace-inc.com/careers/) 4. [Career Overview – ispace](https://www.ispace-inc.com/career-overview/) 5. [Open Positions – ispace (Lever)](https://jobs.lever.co/ispace-inc) ## Other roles at ispace, inc. - [Flight Software Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/flight-software-engineer-ispace-inc-englewood-90f0knqwp6dm) — Englewood, CO - [Internship (Tokyo)](https://feeny.ai/job/internship-tokyo-ispace-inc-tokyo-01rgf1tapxze) — Tokyo, Japan - [2027 Summer Internship - Mechanical Test Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-summer-internship-mechanical-test-engineer-ispace-inc-englewood-qszww91g6mzx) — Englewood, CO - [2027 Summer Internship - IT Support](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-summer-internship-it-support-ispace-inc-englewood-ft7sybyzescs) — Englewood, CO - [2027 Summer Internship - Legal](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-summer-internship-legal-ispace-inc-englewood-wpaq5xb68cpw) — Englewood, CO - [2027 Summer Internship - Supply Chain](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-summer-internship-supply-chain-ispace-inc-englewood-xzz1qdpxr68m) — Englewood, CO - [2027 Summer Internship - Assembly, Integration, and Test](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-summer-internship-assembly-integration-and-test-ispace-inc-englewood-nem2r3p27cp3) — Englewood, CO - [2027 Summer Internship - Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/2027-summer-internship-systems-engineer-ispace-inc-englewood-a0266bw4ng4b) — Englewood, CO - [Manager, Supply Chain](https://feeny.ai/job/manager-supply-chain-ispace-inc-englewood-2w2fcmyknvwn) — Englewood, CO - [Production Manufacturing Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/production-manufacturing-engineer-ispace-inc-englewood-1btd22qeptnw) — Englewood, CO