Principal Engineer, Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO), Guidance, Navigation & Control, Lead

Sierra Space; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 184,628 - 253,884; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to lead the development and integration of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft. The role covers end-to-end GNC design across programs, architecture planning, and HITL testing expertise.

You will drive program execution toward key GNC milestones, size sensors/actuators, and collaborate with FSW/C&DH teams, AI&T, and test configurations while maintaining stringent security clearance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in a related technical field; master's preferred for 10+ years.
• 12+ years of experience in GNC algorithm design and spacecraft development.
• Experience leading design reviews for programs and customers.
• In-depth knowledge of adaptive and robust control, LOS/jitter mitigation, and particle filtering.
• Subject matter expertise in at least two GNC areas with end-to-end design on a program.
• Able to plan GNC tasks for multiple teams and develop proposals/SOWs.
• Advanced user of STK; proficiency in SIMULINK, auto coding, JIRA, Confluence, MS Project; FPGA familiarity.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, integration, and innovation of GNC systems for spacecraft.
• Own end-to-end GNC design across multiple programs and architectures.
• Architect GNC sensor, avionics, and actuator frameworks with FSW C&DH collaboration.
• Assist AI&T planning; support HITL testing and configurations.
• Select and size sensors/actuators based on program requirements; develop tools.
• Conduct HITL unit and integrated testing to verify GNC subsystem performance.

Skills

GNC algorithm design

End-to-end GNC design

Spacecraft development

Design reviews (GNC)

Adaptive/robust control

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred for 10+ years

Tools

STK

SIMULINK

Auto coding

JIRA

Confluence

MS Project

FPGA programming

Job description

About the Role

Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to lead the development, integration, and innovation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This senior role requires extensive expertise across all aspects of GNC algorithmic design, autonomy, and system architecture. The successful candidate will drive technical excellence across programs and ensure scalable and reusable designs for multiple platforms. This role offers the opportunity to drive innovation and technical excellence in aerospace technology.

In this role, you will drive program execution towards achieving key GNC milestones while sharing your GNC design and development expertise, serving as both a lead and an individual contributor across multiple programs. You will own the end-to-end design aspects of Guidance, Navigation, and Control on various programs and formulate GNC design, development, and testing architecture and processes for new programs, focusing on flexibility, adaptability, and reliability to meet long-term program goals. Additionally, you will architect GNC sensor, avionics, and actuator frameworks in conjunction with FSW C&DH, provide input to Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) planning as a GNC expert on test configurations, and assist with HITL troubleshooting. You will also perform sensor and actuator selection and sizing based on program requirements, using and developing relevant design tools, and assist in AI&T by conducting HITL unit and integrated testing to verify GNC subsystem performance.

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 10+ years of related experience.
• 12+ years of experience in GNC algorithm design, subsystem integration, and spacecraft development.
• Experience with leading design reviews for programs and customers.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of adaptive and robust control systems, LOS and jitter mitigation design and analysis, and particle filtering techniques.
• Demonstrate subject matter expertise in at least two areas of GNC algorithmic design and have experience with end-to-end GNC design on at least one program.
• Experience with planning and scheduling GNC tasks for multiple teams and programs; develop advanced proposals and SOWs for customers.
• Advanced user of STK; expertise in SIMULINK programming and auto coding, JIRA, Confluence, and MS Project; familiarity with FPGA programming.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with developing conceptual interfacing frameworks for sensors and actuators with avionics.
• Lead end-to-end efforts in Rendezvous, Proximity Operations (RPO), and docking activities, including mission planning, trajectory optimization, system integration, and operational execution to ensure precise and reliable spacecraft interactions.
• Ability to explain complex design concepts, sub-system relationships, and internal GNC interactions to the team; train and guide GNC engineers for career development; develop high-level roadmap program documentation.
• Experience with developing advanced optimization-based simulation techniques using adaptive and predictive control algorithms.
• Establish and understand complex relationships between different sub-system requirements and GNC, leading to critical design decisions.
• Perform formal tasking and delegation to track progress; share in-depth subject matter knowledge with the team.

Compensation

Pay Range: $184,628.00 - $253,884.50

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.

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 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.