Senior GNC Lead & Spacecraft Guidance Architect

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

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.