Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III

Sierra Space Corporation; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) with 150% match

3 weeks paid time off

Life insurance

Job summary

Sierra Space Corporation is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III to lead GNC design for spacecraft. The role emphasizes control theory, advanced GNC algorithms, and embedded systems, with ownership of simulations, stability analyses, and HITL testing.

You will mentor junior engineers, develop high-fidelity models for sensors/actuators (IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, Air Data), and ensure design compliance with system objectives while supporting mission-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical, electrical or related field; Master’s preferred for 3+ years.
• 5+ years of experience in dynamic modelling and GNC algorithm design.
• Advanced skills in SIMULINK, State Flow, Python, and C++ with SIMULINK autocoding and Linux/UNIX.
• Strong understanding of IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and Air Data Systems; security clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and validation of GNC systems for spacecraft.
• Develop high-fidelity models for GNC sensors/actuators and perform Monte Carlo simulations.
• Conduct open-loop and closed-loop stability analyses and manage multiple GNC modes.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive innovation across GNC subsystems.

Skills

SIMULINK

Python

C++

Control theory

GNC algorithms

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering

Master’s degree preferred for 3+ years

Tools

SIMULINK autocoding

Linux/UNIX

HITL testing

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 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 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). 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 autocoding 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 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: $129,776.00 - $178,441.25

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 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.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

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

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.