Senior Principal GNC Engineer, Spacecraft Autonomy

sierraspace; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 206,000 - 283,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Space is seeking a Sr Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to lead the development and integration of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft. This senior role demands broad expertise in algorithm design, autonomy, and system architecture across multiple platforms.

You will own end-to-end GNC design, architect sensor and actuator frameworks, and support HITL testing and AI&T planning, driving innovation and reliability in aerospace technology.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +13 yrs experience).
• Typically, 15+ years of related experience.
• Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.
• Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.
• Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers.
• Ability to make high-level design decisions.
• Ability to drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team.
• Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with nontechnical stakeholders.
• Ability to architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale projects, innovate, and make decisions on the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and integration of GNC systems for spacecraft.
• Own end-to-end GNC design across programs.
• Architect GNC sensor/avionics/actuator frameworks with C&DH.
• Support AI&T planning and HITL testing.
• Conduct sensor/actuator sizing and tool development.
• Assist in HITL unit and integration testing.

Skills

Leadership

Architect/Design

Problem solving

Stakeholder comms

GNC knowledge

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree +13 yrs experience

Tools

Programming languages

Job description

Sierra Space is seeking a Sr Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to lead the development and integration of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft. This senior role demands broad expertise in algorithm design, autonomy, and system architecture across multiple platforms.

You will own end-to-end GNC design, architect sensor and actuator frameworks, and support HITL testing and AI&T planning, driving innovation and reliability in aerospace technology.