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Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer II

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Multiple locations
Posted on Oct 15, 2024

Sierra Space Careers: Dare to Dream

We honor those that are not afraid to dream big dreams, those that tenaciously chase their dreams even when others say it cannot be done, those that achieve big dreams and change everything. Those are Dreams Worth Chasing.

At Sierra Space we envision a future where humanity lives and works in space, on moons, and on distant planets. Our mission isn’t restricted to the few, instead we see a future where all people can choose to live, work, discover and explore beyond our planet. Our company is building a platform in space to benefit life on Earth and together we will alter the course of humanity.

We have a bold mission. We are a bold company. Together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

Are you an early-career spacecraft GNC engineer looking for a new opportunity? Are you excited by the prospect of using your talents to build and protect the space economy of the future?

As a Level II Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer, you will be using your skills and expertise to design and analyze satellite hardware and software configurations, design and test GNC algorithms, build and test flight software, create and use design tools, build and analyze simulations, and more for various small satellite programs. Your technical duties involve the design, development, evaluation, and test of new products and software throughout the product lifecycle.

The design of configurations and algorithms stem from understanding, analyzing, and evaluating satellite and constellation capabilities, mission concepts, and system requirements. Your work will ensure we meet customer requirements by making data-driven decisions in architecting, planning, building, and testing the design in a testbed prototype and subsequent delivery of the end product. Along the way, you will build tools and contribute to analyses of various architectures that include space vehicles, satellites, sensors, communications, and ground infrastructure; evolving or creating new approaches based on analysis results. You will also contribute to evaluating the mission effectiveness of the candidate approaches, balancing mission objectives against factors such as development and lifecycle costs.

The successful candidate will have experience with at least some portions of the software life cycle (concept development, requirements definition, design, development, testing, and deployment). Additionally, the successful candidate will have experience doing GN&C-related analysis such as performance analysis, multi-sensor fusion and estimation/filtering, sensor processing and/or other advanced GN&C analyses. This individual has a strong working knowledge of Matlab and Simulink and experience with code development. Object-oriented design using the C and C++ languages is a plus, as is having experience in deploying and testing flight code on embedded processors. Experience with Agile Scrum is desired. Local area travel between Louisville and Centennial may be required.

About You

Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream — to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly – to join us on this transformational journey.

We’re looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision and audacious goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or other related discipline and typically 2 or more years of relevant GNC experience
  • Higher education may substitute for relevant experience
  • Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of required education
  • Understanding of engineering principles and practices
  • Experience with Computer Aided Engineering tools, analysis and simulation
  • Ability to work in multi-disciplinary design and development teams
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US Government clearance


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Masters of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or other related discipline and typically 4 or more years of relevant GNC experience
  • Active TS/SCI US Government clearance
  • Experience with system modeling tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink and STK
  • Experience with C/C++
  • Experience with Python
  • Experience with GNC analysis and simulation
  • Previous experience with navigation filters and fault detection algorithms
  • Experience with related aerospace vehicles, sensor suites, and missions
  • Exposure to vehicle stability principles and control system design and analysis
  • Experience with auto-code generation
  • Experience in RPO development and test
  • Knowledge of the ramifications imposed on GNC design by RPO activities
  • Experience with containerization and microservices
  • Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies
  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry


At Sierra Space we deliver customer-focused technology and best-of-breed integrations in the aerospace and defense sectors. Sierra Space has been honored as one of the most innovative U.S. companies in space, a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force, and as one of America’s fastest-growing companies. Learn more about Sierra Space

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

  • Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps
  • Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity
  • Rarely lifting or carrying up to 25 lbs.



Working Conditions:

  • Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)
  • Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials
  • Rarely exposed to loud noises


IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.


Sierra Space offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 8%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Estimated Starting Salary Range:

$82,867.92 - $113,943.38

At Sierra Space we are at the very doorstep of unlocking the future and the work in front of us is hard, but it is truly important and meaningful. Achieving our mission requires dedication, relentless pursuit of a dream and an unwavering passion for pushing the boundaries to accomplish what others might believe to be impossible. We seek those who too, Dare to Dream and will join us in a pursuit to achieve the extraordinary.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.