Spacecraft GNC Engineer II

ABOUT Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing.

Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.

SUMMARYAs a Spacecraft GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will design, analyze, and operate the GNC systems of operational spacecraft. In this role, you will develop GNC flight and simulation software, perform analyses, and support mission operations while continuing to build breadth across core GNC competencies. This position offers hands-on experience with spacecraft attitude determination and control systems, onboard navigation, sensor and actuator modeling, and real-time mission operations across multiple spacecraft.

You will deepen your technical capabilities and refine your desired career trajectory, taking ownership of system elements and software tools as you grow toward a senior GNC role PONSIBILITIESDevelop and validate GNC software to ensure successful spacecraft mission execution

Tune and configure GNC algorithms for all phases of spacecraft flight

Perform 6

DOF simulation analysis of nominal and dispersed flight profiles

Develop and maintain simulation models for sensors, actuators, and environmental effects

Create tools to automate workflows, process simulation and flight data, and generate technical reports

Conduct stability analysis, sensitivity studies, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of GNC under nominal and off-nominal conditions

Interface with cross-discipline teams to integrate GNC software with spacecraft hardware

Serve as a GNC console operator for spacecraft operations and perform post-mission analysis to improve spacecraft models

Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiences

Build proficiency across core GNC competencies while contributing to continuous improvement of GNC processes and toolsQUALIFICATIONSRequired

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field2-5 years of professional experience in spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical discipline

Understanding of spacecraft orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, state estimation, attitude dynamics, and sensor modeling

Familiarity with numerical simulation techniques, integration methods, and modeling of dynamic systems

Experience with Python for scripting, data analysis, and visualization

Experience with C++ for real-time or flight-critical applications

Understanding of software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testing

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Desired

Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering or related field with focus on GNCExperience supporting spacecraft GNC across development, integration, and mission operations

Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems or real-time applications

Knowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysis

Knowledge of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to attitude and translational control design

Familiarity with modern flight software frameworks and real-time operating systems

Familiarity with CI/CD workflows and automated testing practices

Experience with Linux development environments and command-line tools

Exposure to spaceflight mission operations or spacecraft commissioning

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
   
   Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit,…