Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer - Algorithm Design & HITL

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 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.