Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer III

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

About the RoleSierra Space is seeking 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 who possess 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.
In this role, you will contribute to the design and implementation of closed-loop integrated systems for GNC and FDIR subsystems. You will develop high-fidelity models for GNC sensors and actuators, including IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, Air Data Systems, and other relevant hardware. Additionally, you will set up and execute Monte Carlo simulations, incorporating noise profiles, unmodeled dynamics, and erroneous dynamics to evaluate system performance. You will perform open-loop and closed-loop stability analyses to ensure robust system design and functionality, while taking ownership of multiple GNC modes for flight phases, including detailed algorithm design and validation processes. Furthermore, you will 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, and mentor junior engineers while providing technical leadership within the team.

About You

Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.  

We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 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.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret 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.

• In-depth 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.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$116,050.00 - $159,568.75

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:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance.  The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

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. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.