Sr Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer

About The Role

Sierra Space is seeking a Sr Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and verification of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This senior-level role requires extensive experience in GNC algorithm design, sensor and actuator selection, and system-level integration. The selected candidate will be responsible for architecting integrated GNC designs, creating detailed plans for program execution, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance across spacecraft subsystems. This role offers the opportunity to drive innovation and technical excellence in aerospace technology.

About You

We are looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• Master’s degree is preferred for candidates with 6+ years of related experience.
• 8+ years of experience in GNC algorithm design, subsystem integration, and spacecraft development.
• Familiarity with advanced guidance and control algorithms, including optimal control and autonomous navigation using LIDAR, vision, GPS, and RGPS techniques.
• Experience with leading the development of complex GNC mode managers for subsystem-level control across spacecraft flight phases.
• Proficiency in STK, JIRA, Confluence, and MS Project.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience setting up integrated closed-loop dynamic models, performing MIMO linearization, and analyzing closed-loop data interactions.
• Expertise in integrated GNC design.
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power, thermal, communication, and structural dynamics, with the ability to perform system-level trades.
• Familiarity with sensor interfacing to onboard avionics, understanding physical compute limitations, developing interface definitions, and target timing requirements.
• Utilize advanced tools such as STK (Level 2 Certification), JIRA, Confluence, and MS Project to manage tasks and track progress.
• Effective leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide junior engineers and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Compensation

Pay Range: $142,424.00 - $195,851.75

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.

Important Notice

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant 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 or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified. Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.