Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III (Clearance Required)

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Our team shares a spirit of innovation and collaboration, believing we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

About the Role

Sierra Space is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This mid-level role is ideal for experienced engineers with in-depth knowledge of control theory, complex GNC algorithm design, and embedded systems. The selected candidate will take ownership of critical aspects of GNC systems, including design, Monte Carlo simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, while mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation in aerospace technology.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of closed-loop integrated systems for GNC and FDIR subsystems.
• Develop high-fidelity models for GNC sensors and actuators, including IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, Air Data Systems, and other relevant hardware.
• Set up and execute Monte Carlo simulations, incorporating noise profiles, unmodeled dynamics, and erroneous dynamics to evaluate system performance.
• Perform open-loop and closed-loop stability analyses to ensure robust system design and functionality.
• Take ownership of multiple GNC modes for flight phases, including detailed algorithm design and validation processes.
• Integrate requirements into detailed GNC algorithm designs to ensure compliance with system-level objectives.
• Implement relevant design standards and processes across GNC systems and subsystems.
• Mentor junior engineers while providing technical leadership within the team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree). A Master’s degree is preferred for candidates with 3+ years of experience.
• 5+ years of related experience in dynamic modelling and GNC algorithm design.
• Advanced skills in SIMULINK, State Flow, Python, and C++ programming, with experience in SIMULINK auto coding and Linux/UNIX operating systems.
• Strong understanding of IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and Air Data Systems, with experience in developing high-fidelity models for algorithm design.
• An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of GNC algorithms with control theory, including linear and nonlinear controls, stability margins, sensitivity analysis, optimization, and Linear and Extended Kalman filtering.
• Understanding of complex relationships among guidance, navigation, control, and FDIR algorithms.
• Experience with estimating workload for long-term tasking, including quarterly and yearly planning.
• Experience with open-loop and closed-loop stability analysis and autonomous GNC mode transitions.
• Level 1 STK certification and ability to implement relevant design standards and processes.
• Experience in HITL testing and validation processes.
• Ability to develop integrated and bench-level closed-loop tests for system validation.
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power and thermal constraints, communication viewing, and Control Structure Interaction model analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and ability to independently identify root causes and propose solutions by backtracking potential failures.

Pay

Pay Range: $129,776.00 - $178,441.25. Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness.

This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%
• Life insurance
• 3 weeks paid time off