Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer III

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

About The Position

Sierra Space is seeking Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This mid-level role is ideal for experienced engineers who possess in-depth knowledge of control theory, complex GNC algorithm design, and embedded systems. The selected candidate will take ownership of critical aspects of GNC systems, including design, Monte Carlo simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing, while mentoring junior engineers and driving innovation in aerospace technology. In this role, you will contribute to the design and implementation of closed-loop integrated systems for GNC and FDIR subsystems. You will develop high-fidelity models for GNC sensors and actuators, including IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, Air Data Systems, and other relevant hardware. Additionally, you will set up and execute Monte Carlo simulations, incorporating noise profiles, unmodeled dynamics, and erroneous dynamics to evaluate system performance. You will perform open-loop and closed-loop stability analyses to ensure robust system design and functionality, while taking ownership of multiple GNC modes for flight phases, including detailed algorithm design and validation processes. Furthermore, you will integrate requirements into detailed GNC algorithm designs to ensure compliance with system-level objectives, implement relevant design standards and processes across GNC systems and subsystems, and mentor junior engineers while providing technical leadership within the team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
5+ years of related experience in dynamic modelling and GNC algorithm design.
Advanced skills in SIMULINK, State Flow, Python, and C++ programming, with experience in SIMULINK autocoding and Linux/UNIX operating systems.
Strong understanding of IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and Air Data Systems, with experience in developing high-fidelity models for algorithm design.
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is preferred for candidates with 3+ years of experience.
In-depth knowledge of GNC algorithms with control theory, including linear and nonlinear controls, stability margins, sensitivity analysis, optimization, and Linear and Extended Kalman filtering.
In-depth understanding of complex relationships among guidance, navigation, control, and FDIR algorithms.
Experience with estimating workload for long-term tasking, including quarterly and yearly planning.
Experience with open-loop and closed-loop stability analysis and autonomous GNC mode transitions.
Level 1 STK certification and ability to implement relevant design standards and processes.
Experience in HITL testing and validation processes.
Ability to develop integrated and bench-level closed-loop tests for system validation.
Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power and thermal constraints, communication viewing, and Control Structure Interaction model analysis.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and ability to independently identify root causes and propose solutions by backtracking potential failures.
An active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance

Responsibilities

Design and implementation of closed-loop integrated systems for GNC and FDIR subsystems.
Develop high-fidelity models for GNC sensors and actuators, including IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, Air Data Systems, and other relevant hardware.
Set up and execute Monte Carlo simulations, incorporating noise profiles, unmodeled dynamics, and erroneous dynamics to evaluate system performance.
Perform open-loop and closed-loop stability analyses to ensure robust system design and functionality
Take ownership of multiple GNC modes for flight phases, including detailed algorithm design and validation processes.
Integrate requirements into detailed GNC algorithm designs to ensure compliance with system-level objectives
Implement relevant design standards and processes across GNC systems and subsystems
Mentor junior engineers while providing technical leadership within the team.