GNC Manager, Spacecraft ADCS

Firefly Aerospace•Cedar Park, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Spacecraft ADCS Manager at Firefly Aerospace, you will lead a technical team supporting attitude control system design, analysis, and flight operations for spacecraft in LEO and cislunar space. 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 spacecraft attitude determination and control 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 spacecraft ADCS 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 spacecraft 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 ADCS 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 spacecraft subsystems and their impact on attitude control 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 mission-critical applications
Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for ADCS teams
Experience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issues

Responsibilities

Lead an ADCS team supporting multiple spacecraft programs and development efforts
Set ADCS 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 ADCS strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment priorities
Champion continuous improvement initiatives for ADCS 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 ADCS 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