Director, Flight Dynamics, Guidance & Control

Terranorbitalcorporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off

Education Reimbursement

Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital Corporation in Irvine, CA is looking for an experienced Director of Flight Dynamics, Guidance & Control to lead their GNC engineering team. This critical role involves mentoring engineers, managing GNC projects, and ensuring the design and integration of systems meet specifications. With at least 15 years of experience in the space industry and a passion for innovation, the ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment dedicated to advancing satellite technology.

You will oversee project management and troubleshoot technical challenges while supporting mission operations. Join a team at the forefront of aerospace innovation!

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of technical experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control primarily in the space industry.
• At least 3 years of leadership experience managing engineers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of GNC engineers.
• Design, develop, and integrate GNC systems.
• Plan and manage GNC projects including budget and resource allocation.

Skills

GNC engineering and software development

Strong understanding of orbital dynamics

Problem-solving skills

Strong writing and presentation skills

C++ and Python experience

Education

Master’s Degree in engineering

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Director, Flight Dynamics, Guidance & Control to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the VP, Space & Mission Systems, the Director, Flight Dynamics, Guidance & Control will be part of a collaborative team developing innovative small satellite vehicle solutions for multiple projects.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of GNC engineers, ensuring they have clear objectives, adequate resources, and support to meet project milestones
• Lead the design, development, and integration of GNC systems, ensuring they meet the required specifications and standards
• Plan and manage GNC projects, including supporting schedule, budget, and resource allocation in partnership with peer organizations and project management
• Lead troubleshooting of efforts related to GNC systems, applying advanced problem-solving and technical expertise
• Coordinate with other departments, stakeholders, and external partners to ensure alignment on GNC projects and initiatives
• Lead continuous improvement efforts, driving efficiencies and innovation in GNC development and maintenance
• Provide technical inputs and support for proposal efforts
• Support mission operations and anomaly resolution
• Prepare and present formal and informal reports and status to upper management on a weekly basis
• Provide inputs and evaluation of documentation for program milestone reviews and provide technical mentorship and peer review for coworkers

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s Degree in an engineering field with a concentration in dynamics and control
• Minimum of 15 years of Guidance, Navigation & Control technical experience, primarily within the space industry
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading and/or managing engineers
• Demonstrated GNC engineering and software development using MATLAB and Simulink
• Strong fundamental understanding of orbital dynamics and classical mechanics
• Highly motivated, self-starting, and able to perform duties autonomously without supervision
• Strong writing, presentation, and oral communication skills
• Passion for the new space industry
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance

Additional Differentiators

• Ph.D. in Dynamics and controls is highly desired
• Experience with the design of spacecraft flexible body control, Kalman Filtering, jitter analysis, rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD), fault detection, isolation, recovery protocols
• Flight dynamics, Monte, navigation, orbit determination and mission operations for GEO and deep space
• Experience with autonomy for satellite, constellation management, orbit insertion, station-keeping, and collision avoidance
• Low and high thrust trajectory design and optimization
• Hands-on experience with small satellites, robotic systems, or similar
• Optical Communication Terminals (OCT)
• Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT)
• C++ and Python experience

Salary Range

$220,000 — $270,000 USD

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Equal Opportunity

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

Accommodation for Disability

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].