Spacecraft GNC Engineer II - Autonomy & Guidance

Sierra Space; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 106,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision plans

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space seeks a mid‑level Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer II to design, analyze, and implement advanced GNC systems for spacecraft. You will work on dynamic modeling, algorithm design, and simulations, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure system performance and compliance with requirements.

You will develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms, simulate with SIMULINK and STK, and analyze sensors/actuators like IMUs, GPS, star trackers, RCS, and LIDAR.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent work experience).
• 2+ years of relevant experience in dynamic modeling and GNC algorithm design.
• Strong proficiency in SIMULINK programming and STK, with familiarity in C, C++, Python, and version control tools such as GIT/SVN.
• Fundamental knowledge of GNC algorithms and experience with designing at least one of guidance, navigation, control, or FDIR algorithms.
• Understanding of the working principles of IMUs, GPS, star trackers, RCS, non-propulsive actuators (Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquer Bars, Control Moment Gyros), and LIDAR.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms focusing on guidance, navigation, or control and FDIR.
• Program and optimize simulations using SIMULINK and STK; model and analyze GNC sensors and actuators such as IMUs, GPS, star trackers, RCS, reaction wheels, MAG torquers, CMGs, and LIDAR.
• Run Monte Carlo simulations and perform in-depth analysis to identify issues and optimize GNC system performance.
• Analyze and implement autonomous GNC mode transitions to ensure reliability and robustness; own performance requirements and conduct analyses to ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with GNC flight software (FSW) in target test simulation environments to validate functionality and document findings.

Skills

dynamic modeling

GNC algorithms

Monte Carlo simulations

autonomous mode transitions

SIMULINK

STK

C

C++

Python

GIT/SVN

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

related technical field

Tools

SIMULINK

STK

C

C++

Python

Job description

Sierra Space seeks a mid‑level Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer II to design, analyze, and implement advanced GNC systems for spacecraft. You will work on dynamic modeling, algorithm design, and simulations, collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure system performance and compliance with requirements.

You will develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms, simulate with SIMULINK and STK, and analyze sensors/actuators like IMUs, GPS, star trackers, RCS, and LIDAR.