Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III​/Sr; Clearance Required

Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III

This mid‑level role leads the design, development, and validation of advanced guidance, navigation, and controls (GNC) systems for spacecraft applications. The engineer will take ownership of critical aspects of GNC systems, including design, Monte‑Carlo simulations, hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HITL) testing, and mentorship of junior engineers.

• Design, develop, and validate integrated GNC and FDIR subsystems for spacecraft.
• Develop high‑fidelity models for GNC sensors and actuators, including IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and air‑data systems.
• Set up and conduct 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.
• Define and validate multiple GNC modes for flight phases, including detailed algorithm design and validation processes.
• Integrate requirements into detailed GNC algorithm designs to meet system‑level objectives.
• Implement design standards and processes across GNC systems and subsystems.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership within the team.

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, electrical engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent work experience).
• Master’s degree preferred for candidates with 3+ years of experience.
• 5+ years of related experience in dynamic modeling and GNC algorithm design.
• Advanced skills in SIMULINK, State Flow, Python, and C++.
• Experience with SIMULINK autocoding and Linux/UNIX operating systems.
• Strong understanding of IMUs, GPS, LIDAR, and air‑data systems; experience in developing high‑fidelity models for algorithm design.
• Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance required.

• In‑depth knowledge of GNC algorithms with control theory, including linear and nonlinear controls, stability margins, sensitivity analysis, optimization, and Kalman filtering.
• In‑depth understanding of complex 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, and control‑structure interaction model analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and ability to identify root causes and propose solutions.

Pay Range: $ – $ (final base compensation determined case‑by‑case).

Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required; U.S. Citizenship is required. Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The company complies with all applicable equal‑employment‑opportunity laws.