GNC Manager, Launch Vehicles

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

About The Position

As the Launch Vehicle GNC Manager at Firefly Aerospace, you will lead a technical team supporting guidance, navigation, and control system design, analysis, and flight operations for operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will own all aspects of team leadership including recruitment, career development, and performance management while driving strategic planning, budget management, and operational execution. This position combines technical expertise in launch vehicle GNC with organizational leadership, requiring you to build team capabilities, foster a high-performing culture, and deliver mission-critical support in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or 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 with 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

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or 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 operations of the team ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical software development, analysis, and operational support
Develop and manage the GNC budget and annual operating plan
Own all aspects of team staffing including hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning
Conduct performance evaluations and drive career development through mentorship and coaching of engineers at all levels
Foster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environment