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GNC - Engineering Manager

Sierra Space

Sierra Space

Software Engineering, Other Engineering
Multiple locations
Posted on Oct 26, 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 dreaming about a position where you can deliver quality, meaningful results? Come be a part of our diverse, multi-disciplined team of engineers, operating in an agile environment, using the latest tools and methodologies. Develop your technical acumen as well as your leadership skills at a company with huge potential for long-term career growth. As an Engineering Manager, you will be using your skills and expertise to manage functional teams through program execution for our products and services. These cover a very wide range from advanced mission payloads and electronic systems through highly integrated aircraft to orbital and space exploration systems. You will represent the engineering department at all management level meetings. You'll ensure that the engineering design, documentation, and approvals meet the program schedules, are obtained in a timely manner and that engineering hours expended are productive, meeting program goals and budgets. You will own and continuously improve processes and procedures, oversee training of staff and provide technical direction as required.

The Guidance, Navigation, and Controls Engineering Manager reports to the SW Product Development Director and is responsible for managing the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Design and Analysis team and their products across all business sectors. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Leading the team through the design, development, test, and certification of GNC Algorithm development and ultimately GNC Flight Software development

  • Maintaining mission critical software across various programs

  • Implementing best practices for developing maintainable production ready GNC products

  • Coordinating and collaborating across multi-discipline/multi-organizational teams to understand key aspects of various subsystems, safety requirements, and operational requirements

  • Contributing to programs by means of technical execution and technical leadership

  • Managing daily operations required to support Sierra Space stakeholder and customer needs

  • Managing risks, opportunities, cost, schedule, and staffing across multiple programs

  • Managing direct reports including tasking, timecards, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation management

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 a related discipline and typically 8 or more years of relevant technical experience

  • Relevant work 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

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Typically, 2-4 years of relevant leadership and/or project management experience

  • Previous management experience; exposure to recruiting employees; assigning, directing, and evaluating their work; and overseeing the development and maintenance of staff competence

  • Experience with identifying and coordinating resources to ensure the required tools, processes, and training are available/effective and programs are staffed and supported to achieve success

  • Understanding of how to prepare project schedules, budgets, bids, and estimates for proposed program work packages

  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, the US Department of Defense or US Military

  • Ability to motivate/work with others

  • Prior exposure to working successfully in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment emphasizing rapid prototyping and fielding of capabilities, with minimal supervision

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Project

  • Experience with system modeling tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink, STK, or Free Flyer

  • Previous experience with navigation filters and fault detection algorithms

  • Experience with related aerospace vehicles, sensors suites, and missions

  • Knowledge of industry standard system engineering design principles, to include, classical and Model Based System Engineering (MBSE)

  • Exposure to vehicle stability principles and control system design and analysis

  • Knowledge of industry standard aerospace principles, to include, but not limited to parametric design, model-based definition, fundamentals of flight and/or orbital mechanics

  • Past history of leading baseline definition and maturation in a complex development setting, including the use of highly integrated trade studies and analysis of alternatives

Engineering Manager I - $120,552 - $165,759

Engineering Manager II - $138,635 - $190,623

Sr Engineering Manager - $159,430 - $219,216

MPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret 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.

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 are 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.