GNC Engineer II (Hypersonics)

About Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space. Summary As a GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will design, analyze, and operate the GNC systems for operational launch vehicles including the Alpha Launch Vehicle and emerging hypersonic programs. In this role, you will develop GNC and simulation software tailored to high-speed flight regimes, perform dynamic analyses across diverse trajectory profiles, and support mission operations while building breadth across multiple vehicle programs. This position offers hands-on experience with launch vehicle ascent guidance, hypersonic guidance algorithms, attitude control in high dynamic pressure environments, and real-time flight operations in a fast-paced environment. You will deepen your technical capabilities in flight mechanics and controls, with particular emphasis on hypersonic applications, taking ownership of system elements and software tools supporting Firefly’s expanding vehicle portfolio. Responsibilities Develop and validate GNC software to ensure successful mission execution across multiple vehicle programsDesign and tune attitude determination and control algorithms for all phases of flight including boost, ascent, and terminal phasesPerform 6DOF dynamic analysis of nominal and dispersed trajectories including aerodynamic heating effects, trajectory shaping, and range optimizationDevelop and maintain simulation models for aerodynamics, hypersonic thermal constraints, propulsion systems, sensors, and actuatorsCreate tools to automate workflows, process flight data, and generate technical reports for vehicle performanceConduct stability analysis, sensitivity studies, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of GNC systems under flight conditions including off-nominal scenariosInterface with cross-discipline teams (aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, thermal) to integrate GNC software with vehicle hardwareSupport trajectory optimization and targeting for mission profiles including launch vehicles and high-speed flight regimesServe as a GNC console operator for vehicle launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve vehicle models and performance predictionsAuthor technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiencesBuild proficiency across GNC competencies while contributing to continuous improvement of GNC processes and tools Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field2-5 years of professional experience in aerospace guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical disciplineUnderstanding of flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and attitude dynamicsFamiliarity with numerical simulation techniques, integration methods, and modeling of dynamic systemsExperience with Python for scripting, data analysis, and visualizationFamiliarity with C++ for real-time or flight-critical applicationsUnderstanding of software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testingStrong written and verbal communication skills Desired Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in aerospace engineering or related field with focus on GNC, flight mechanics, hypersonics, or controlsExperience supporting launch vehicle or hypersonic vehicle GNC across development, integration, and flightExperience with high-speed or hypersonic flight test, wind tunnel testing, or flight dynamics analysisKnowledge of aerodynamic and aerothermal effects on vehicle performance and control, particularly in high-speed flight regimesUnderstanding of trajectory optimization techniques for hypersonic mission profiles including skip trajectories, boost-glide profiles, and multi-phase mission designProficiency in C++ for embedded systems or real-time applicationsKnowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysisExperience with control allocation and adaptive control techniques for vehicles with varying control authorityFamiliarity with modern flight software frameworks and real-time operating systemsFamiliarity with CI/CD workflows and automated testing practicesExperience with Linux development environments and command-line toolsExposure to flight test campaigns, launch operations, or mission operationsUnderstanding of multi-phase trajectory design for vehicles transitioning between propulsion modes or flight regimes Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status