Optical Navigation Engineer

OVERVIEW

Must be a US Citizen
Estimated Duration: Ongoing
W2 Position with full benefits

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $70-91K + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Columbus Technologies & Services is seeking a highly skilled professional to support the development and flight software implementation of advanced optical navigation image processing algorithms. This role is critical for advancing autonomous navigation capabilities for missions to the Moon and other airless bodies, focusing on the integration of highly reliable celestial, limb, and terrain-relative navigation systems.

The support will include:

• The development and implementation of advanced optical navigation image processing algorithms into flight software.
• Perform rigorous testing, performance benchmarking, and continuous improvement of celestial, limb, and terrain-relative navigation (TRN) algorithms for lunar and airless body environments.
• Develop, implement, and test novel, map-free terrain-relative navigation image processing algorithms based on visual odometry.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering.
• Demonstrated professional or advanced academic experience in spacecraft navigation, flight software development, or a related aerospace field.
• Programming & Flight Software: Proficiency in C++, Python, and MATLAB for algorithm development, data analysis, and flight software implementation.
• Computer Vision: Strong experience utilizing OpenCV (and related libraries) for image processing, feature extraction, and visual odometry.
• Navigation Expertise: Deep understanding of optical navigation (OpNav) techniques, including celestial, limb, and Terrain-Relative Navigation (TRN).
• Map-Free Navigation: Deep understanding of visual odometry and map-free navigation methodologies.
• Algorithm Testing: Proven ability to design and execute rigorous performance benchmarking and testing for spaceflight navigation software.
• Domain Knowledge: Knowledge of the unique environmental challenges and orbital mechanics related to the Moon and other airless bodies.

DESIRED SKILLS

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical mindset to debug legacy code and troubleshoot complex sensor integration issues.
• Communication: Ability to present technical data and collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to work in a team environment.