Launch Vehicle GNC Director & Strategy Leader

Cedarparktexasedc; Cedar Park (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

Parental leave

Education reimbursement

Short-term disability

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Firefly Aerospace, headquartered in north Austin, Texas, is seeking a Launch Vehicle GNC Manager to lead a technical team responsible for guidance, navigation, and control design, analysis, and flight operations for operational launch vehicles.

You will own all aspects of leadership, including recruitment, career development, performance management, and strategic planning, while driving a high-performing culture in a fast-paced aerospace 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.

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

Skills

GNC leadership

Guidance, Navigation & Control

Communication

Budgeting

Staff mentoring

Hiring/onboarding

Cross-functional collaboration

Python

Linux

C++ flight software

Education

Bachelors in aerospace/mechanical/electrical/related

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Python

Linux

C++ (flight-critical)

Job description

Firefly Aerospace, headquartered in north Austin, Texas, is seeking a Launch Vehicle GNC Manager to lead a technical team responsible for guidance, navigation, and control design, analysis, and flight operations for operational launch vehicles.

You will own all aspects of leadership, including recruitment, career development, performance management, and strategic planning, while driving a high-performing culture in a fast-paced aerospace environment.