Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer II/III

Pace Industries, LLC; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 105,534 - 145,109; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

3 weeks paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer II to design, analyze, and implement advanced GNC systems for spacecraft. You will develop, validate, and optimize GNC algorithms, simulate sensor/actuator performance, and work with flight software in test environments.

The role requires a solid background in dynamic modeling, SIMULINK, STK, and programming in C/C++, Python, plus the ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical, electrical or related field.
• 2+ years in dynamic modeling and GNC algorithm design.
• Proficiency in SIMULINK, STK; familiar with C, C++, Python; version control (Git/SVN).
• Fundamental knowledge of GNC algorithms and related domains.
• Understanding IMUs, GPS, star trackers, RCS, reaction wheels, torquers, LIDAR.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms for spacecraft.
• Run Monte Carlo simulations and optimize GNC performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and robustness.
• Work with GNC flight software in target test environments to validate functionality.
• Document findings and communicate results to stakeholders.

Skills

GNC algorithm design

Dynamic modeling

SIMULINK

STK

C

C++

Python

GIT/SVN

GNC sensors & actuators

Autonomy concept

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering

Tools

SIMULINK

STK

Job description

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team. About the Role Sierra Space is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer II to contribute to the design, analysis, and implementation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This mid-level role is ideal for engineers with foundational experience in dynamic modeling, algorithm design, and simulation analysis. The selected candidate will work independently on complex tasks while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance and compliance with requirements. This position offers the opportunity to expand technical expertise and take ownership of key GNC subsystems. In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms, focusing on one or more areas of guidance, navigation, control, and Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR). You will program and optimize simulations using SIMULINK and STK, while modeling and analyzing GNC sensors and actuators such as IMUs, GPS, star trackers, Reaction Control Systems (RCS), Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquer Bars, Control Moment Gyros, and LIDAR. Additionally, you will run and modify Monte Carlo simulations, performing in-depth analysis to identify issues and optimize system performance. You will analyze and implement autonomous GNC mode transitions to ensure system reliability and robustness, take ownership of a group of performance requirements by conducting relevant analysis to ensure compliance, and work with GNC flight software (FSW) in target test simulation environments to validate functionality. Furthermore, you will document technical findings and communicate results to stakeholders and team members.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower - to join us in this critical mission. We’re 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.

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).
• 2+ years of relevant experience in dynamic modeling and GNC algorithm design.
• Strong proficiency in SIMULINK programming and STK, with familiarity in C, C++, Python, and version control tools such as GIT/SVN.
• Fundamental knowledge of GNC algorithms and experience with designing at least one of guidance, navigation, control, or FDIR algorithms.
• Understanding of the working principles of IMUs, GPS, star trackers, RCS, non-propulsive actuators (Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquer Bars, Control Moment Gyros), and LIDAR.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong fundamental knowledge of dynamic modeling, control, guidance, or navigation algorithm design, state-space systems, SISO, and MIMO systems.
• Ability to estimate workload independently and accurately on short-term tasks, including JIRA tickets.
• Experience running Monte Carlo simulations and performing in-depth analysis to troubleshoot and optimize GNC systems.
• Strong understanding of autonomous GNC mode transitions and ability to perform relevant analysis.
• Familiarity with SIMULINK autocoding and Linux systems for simulation and software integration.
• Ability to take ownership of performance requirements and conduct detailed analysis to ensure compliance.
• Experience working with GNC flight software in target test simulation environments and conducting validation testing.
• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power and thermal systems, communication antennas, and control structure interaction principles.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Compensation

Pay Range: $105,534.00 - $145,109.25

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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.

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.

Application Deadline

This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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.

About Sierra Space

Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission-proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight-proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.