Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

6d•$129,776 - $178,441

About The Position

Sierra Space is seeking a mid-level Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. The engineer will take ownership of critical GNC system elements, including design, Monte Carlo simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop testing, and will mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership. The role contributes to the design and implementation of closed-loop integrated GNC and FDIR systems. Responsibilities include developing high-fidelity models for sensors and actuators such as IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and Air Data Systems; executing Monte Carlo simulations with noise profiles, unmodeled dynamics, and erroneous dynamics; and conducting open- and closed-loop stability analyses. The engineer will own multiple GNC modes for flight phases, design and validate algorithms, integrate requirements into detailed designs, and apply relevant standards and processes across GNC systems and subsystems. A bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical, or a related technical field is required, or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree. A master’s degree is preferred for candidates with 3 or more years of experience. Applicants need at least 5 years of related experience in dynamic modeling and GNC algorithm design, advanced skills in SIMULINK, State Flow, Python, and C++, and experience with SIMULINK autocoding and Linux/UNIX. The ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required; U.S. citizenship is required for this position. The stated pay range is $129,776.00–$178,441.25. Sierra Space offers medical, dental, and vision plans, a 401(k) with a 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, and 3 weeks of paid time off. The position will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.
At least 5 years of related experience in dynamic modeling and GNC algorithm design.
Advanced skills in SIMULINK, State Flow, Python, and C++ programming.
Experience with SIMULINK autocoding and Linux/UNIX operating systems.
Strong understanding of IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and Air Data Systems, including experience developing high-fidelity models for algorithm design.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required because the position requires an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, preferred for candidates with 3 or more years of experience.
In-depth knowledge of GNC algorithms and control theory, including linear and nonlinear controls, stability margins, sensitivity analysis, optimization, and Linear and Extended Kalman filtering.
In-depth understanding of relationships among guidance, navigation, control, and FDIR algorithms.
Experience 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, attention to detail, and ability to independently identify root causes and propose solutions by backtracking potential failures.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and validation of advanced spacecraft GNC systems.
Design and implement closed-loop integrated systems for GNC and FDIR subsystems.
Develop high-fidelity models of GNC sensors and actuators, including IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and Air Data Systems.
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.
Own multiple GNC modes for flight phases, including detailed algorithm design and validation.
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 and provide technical leadership within the team.