GNC Manager, Launch Vehicles

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

About The Position

The Launch Vehicle GNC Manager leads a technical team responsible for guidance, navigation, and control system design, analysis, and flight operations for operational launch vehicles. The role combines technical expertise in launch vehicle GNC with organizational leadership, strategic planning, budget management, and operational execution. The manager is responsible for recruitment, career development, and performance management, while building team capabilities and fostering a high-performing culture that delivers mission-critical support in a fast-paced aerospace environment. The position supports multiple launch vehicle programs and development efforts, coordinates priorities and execution schedules with program managers and mission stakeholders, and oversees GNC strategy, team operations, staffing, and budgets. Candidates must meet U.S. Government space technology export-control eligibility requirements: be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in launch vehicle GNC, with demonstrated expertise across guidance, navigation, and control system design.
5+ years of technical leadership experience, including directing the work of other engineers and technical staff.
Demonstrated experience supporting operational launch vehicle missions through multiple mission phases.
Demonstrated success building team capabilities through mentorship, training, and career development.
Experience managing team budgets, resource planning, and workforce forecasting.
Experience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for GNC organizations.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholders.
Ability to foster a collaborative team culture while meeting demanding mission schedules.
Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations, to conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field.
Knowledge of launch vehicle subsystems and their impact on GNC system design and performance.
Proven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent.
Experience with Python and Linux.
Proficiency in real-time software development using C++ for flight-critical applications.
Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for GNC teams.
Experience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issues.

Responsibilities

Lead a GNC team supporting multiple launch vehicle programs and development efforts.
Set GNC objectives and communicate priorities to team members and cross-functional stakeholders.
Interface with program managers and mission stakeholders to allocate team responsibilities and establish execution schedules.
Drive GNC strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment priorities.
Champion continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiency.
Direct daily team operations to ensure timely delivery of mission-critical software development, analysis, and operational support.
Develop and manage the GNC budget and annual operating plan.
Manage team staffing, including hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning.
Conduct performance evaluations and support engineers’ career development through mentorship and coaching.
Foster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environment.