GNC Director, Launch Vehicles

Firefly Aerospace Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO for exempt employees

3‑month sabbatical for every 5 years

Medical, dental, vision, life, and/or—

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is seeking a Launch Vehicle GNC Manager to lead a technical team delivering guidance, navigation, and control design, analysis, and flight operations for active launch programs.

You will own all aspects of team leadership, including recruitment, career development, and performance management, while guiding strategic planning, budget execution, and operational delivery in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in launch vehicle GNC with expertise in guidance, navigation, and control design.
• 5+ years of technical leadership directing engineers and staff.
• Experience supporting operational launch vehicle missions through multiple phases.
• Proven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent.
• Experience with Python and Linux; proficiency in C++ for flight-critical software.

Responsibilities

• Lead a GNC team supporting multiple launch vehicle programs and development efforts.
• Set GNC objectives and communicate priorities to team members and stakeholders.
• Interface with program managers to allocate responsibilities and schedules.
• Drive GNC strategy and roadmap development; identify gaps and priorities.
• Oversee budgets and annual operating plans.
• Direct daily operations ensuring timely delivery of software, analysis, and support.
• Staff hiring, onboarding and workforce planning; manage performance reviews.
• Foster a high-performing culture in a demanding aerospace environment.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Recruiting

Mentorship

Communication

Teamwork

Python

C++

Linux

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, physics or math

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in related field

Tools

Python

C++

Linux

Job description

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is seeking a Launch Vehicle GNC Manager to lead a technical team delivering guidance, navigation, and control design, analysis, and flight operations for active launch programs.

You will own all aspects of team leadership, including recruitment, career development, and performance management, while guiding strategic planning, budget execution, and operational delivery in a fast-paced aerospace environment.