Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer III Security Clearance

Position: Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer III with Security Clearance
Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.
Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.
Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

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.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower - to join us in this critical mission.
We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree). Master's degree is preferred for candidates with 3+ years of experience.

* 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

Preferred Qualifications:

* 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

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$ - $

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position…