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Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III (Clearance Required) Verified today

Sierra Space · 2 Locations · Space Systems · first seen 2026-09-15
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About the Role

Sierra Space is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer III to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. You 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.

In this role, you will:

  • Design and implement closed-loop integrated systems for GNC and FDIR subsystems
  • Develop high-fidelity models for 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
  • Perform open-loop and closed-loop stability analyses to ensure robust system design
  • Take ownership of multiple GNC modes for flight phases with 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

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or 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 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 developing high-fidelity models for algorithm design
  • Active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance 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 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

Compensation

Pay Range: $129,776.00 - $178,441.25

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.

Employment Requirements

This position requires an active Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Benefits

Sierra Space offers a generous benefit package including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, and 3 weeks paid time off.