GNC Manager, 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

SUMMARY

As the Launch Vehicle GNC Manager at Firefly Aerospace, you will lead a technical team supporting guidance, navigation, and control system design, analysis, and flight operations for operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will own all aspects of team leadership including recruitment, career development, and performance management while driving strategic planning, budget management, and operational execution. This position combines technical expertise in launch vehicle GNC with organizational leadership, requiring you to build team capabilities, foster a high‑performing culture, and deliver mission‑critical support in a fast‑paced aerospace environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a GNC team supporting multiple launch vehicle programs and development efforts
• Set GNC objectives and communicate priorities to team members and cross‑functional stakeholders
• Interface with program managers and mission stakeholders to allocate team responsibilities and establish execution schedules
• Drive GNC strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment priorities
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiency
• Direct daily operations of the team ensuring timely delivery of mission‑critical software development, analysis, and operational support
• Develop and manage the GNC budget and annual operating plan
• Own all aspects of team staffing including hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning
• Conduct performance evaluations and drive career development through mentorship and coaching of engineers at all levels
• Foster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environment

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in launch vehicle GNC with demonstrated expertise across guidance, navigation, and control system design
• 5+ years of technical leadership experience including directing the work of other engineers and technical staff
• Demonstrated experience supporting operational launch vehicle missions through multiple mission phases
• Demonstrated success building team capabilities through mentorship, training, and career development
• Experience managing team budgets, resource planning, and workforce forecasting
• Experience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for GNC organizations
• Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non‑technical stakeholders
• Ability to foster a collaborative team culture while meeting demanding mission schedules
• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
• Knowledge of launch vehicle subsystems and their impact on GNC system design and performance
• Proven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high‑performing technical talent
• Experience with Python and Linux
• Proficiency in real‑time software development using C++ for flight‑critical applications
• Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for GNC teams
• Experience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issues

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO for exempt employees
• 3‑month sabbatical for every 5 years of service
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Mental health services
• Paid military leave
  • 12 weeks paid maternity leave
  • 4 weeks paid spouse leave
  • $20k towards family planning: fertility, surrogacy, adoption
  • Dog‑friendly workplace

Space for Your Career

• $10k/year towards trade school or college
• Ongoing coaching to advance leadership skills

Space for Your Future

• Employee‑ownership with stock bonuses
• 4% Safe Harbor 401(k) matching
• $10k bonus for home purchase in Cedar Park, Texas

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short‑term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.

Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.