Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer II

Sierra Space•Louisville, KY

About The Position

Sierra Space is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer II to contribute to the design, analysis, and implementation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This mid-level role is ideal for engineers with foundational experience in dynamic modeling, algorithm design, and simulation analysis. The selected candidate will work independently on complex tasks while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance and compliance with requirements. This position offers the opportunity to expand technical expertise and take ownership of key GNC subsystems. In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms, focusing on one or more areas of guidance, navigation, control, and Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR). You will program and optimize simulations using SIMULINK and STK, while modeling and analyzing GNC sensors and actuators such as IMUs, GPS, star trackers, Reaction Control Systems (RCS), Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquer Bars, Control Moment Gyros, and LIDAR. Additionally, you will run and modify Monte Carlo simulations, performing in-depth analysis to identify issues and optimize system performance. You will analyze and implement autonomous GNC mode transitions to ensure system reliability and robustness, take ownership of a group of performance requirements by conducting relevant analysis to ensure compliance, and work with GNC flight software (FSW) in target test simulation environments to validate functionality. Furthermore, you will document technical findings and communicate results to stakeholders and team members.

Requirements

Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
Typically, 2+ years of related experience.
Strong understanding of one programming language, and general knowledge of others.
Strong understanding of software development principles.
Ability to design, code, test, and debug complex software applications.
Experience with different software development methodologies such as Agile and Kanban.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

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.
Strong fundamental knowledge of dynamic modeling, control, guidance, or navigation algorithm design, state-space systems, SISO, and MIMO systems.
Ability to estimate workload independently and accurately on short-term tasks, including JIRA tickets.
Experience running Monte Carlo simulations and performing in-depth analysis to troubleshoot and optimize GNC systems.
Strong understanding of autonomous GNC mode transitions and ability to perform relevant analysis.
Familiarity with SIMULINK autocoding and Linux systems for simulation and software integration.
Ability to take ownership of performance requirements and conduct detailed analysis to ensure compliance.
Experience working with GNC flight software in target test simulation environments and conducting validation testing.
Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power and thermal systems, communication antennas, and control structure interaction principles.
Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms, focusing on one or more areas of guidance, navigation, control, and Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR).
Program and optimize simulations using SIMULINK and STK, while modeling and analyzing GNC sensors and actuators such as IMUs, GPS, star trackers, Reaction Control Systems (RCS), Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquer Bars, Control Moment Gyros, and LIDAR.
Run and modify Monte Carlo simulations, performing in-depth analysis to identify issues and optimize system performance.
Analyze and implement autonomous GNC mode transitions to ensure system reliability and robustness.
Take ownership of a group of performance requirements by conducting relevant analysis to ensure compliance.
Work with GNC flight software (FSW) in target test simulation environments to validate functionality.
Document technical findings and communicate results to stakeholders and team members.