Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer II/III - Rendezvous and Proximity Operations

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 RoleSierra Space is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Controls Engineer II to contribute to the design, analysis, and implementation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This mid-level role is ideal for engineers with foundational experience in dynamic modeling, algorithm design, and simulation analysis. The selected candidate will work independently on complex tasks while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure system performance and compliance with requirements. This position offers the opportunity to expand technical expertise and take ownership of key GNC subsystems.

In this role, you will develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms, focusing on one or more areas of guidance, navigation, control, and Fault Detection, Isolation, and Recovery (FDIR). You will program and optimize simulations using SIMULINK and STK, while modeling and analyzing GNC sensors and actuators such as IMUs, GPS, star trackers, Reaction Control Systems (RCS), Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquer Bars, Control Moment Gyros, and LIDAR. Additionally, you will run and modify Monte Carlo simulations, performing in-depth analysis to identify issues and optimize system performance. You will analyze and implement autonomous GNC mode transitions to ensure system reliability and robustness, take ownership of a group of performance requirements by conducting relevant analysis to ensure compliance, and work with GNC flight software (FSW) in target test simulation environments to validate functionality. Furthermore, you will document technical findings and communicate results to stakeholders and team members. 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).

• 2+ years of relevant experience in dynamic modeling and GNC algorithm design.

• Strong proficiency in SIMULINK programming and STK, with familiarity in C, C++, Python, and version control tools such as GIT/SVN.

• Fundamental knowledge of GNC algorithms and experience with designing at least one of guidance, navigation, control, or FDIR algorithms.

• Understanding of the working principles of IMUs, GPS, star trackers, RCS, non-propulsive actuators (Reaction Wheels, Magnetic Torquer Bars, Control Moment Gyros), and LIDAR.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is require.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of industry experience or master's degree with concentration in Rendezvous and Proximity Operations, demonstrating proficiency in trajectory planning, relative motion dynamics, and GN&C algorithms for spacecraft maneuvers

• Demonstrated knowledge of autonomous docking systems and collision avoidance techniques, with experience applying relative navigation sensors and orbital mechanics principles in academic or professional settings

• Background in Rotational Dynamics (kinematics and kinetic analysis)

• Strong foundation in orbital mechanics principles, including Restricted 2-Body Equation of Motion, Classical (Keplerian) Orbital Elements, and relative motion dynamics in multiple reference frames

• Strong fundamental knowledge of dynamic modeling, control, guidance, or navigation algorithm design, state-space systems, SISO, and MIMO systems.

• Experience running Monte Carlo simulations and performing in-depth analysis to troubleshoot and optimize GNC systems.

• Strong understanding of autonomous GNC mode transitions and ability to perform relevant analysis.

• Familiarity with SIMULINK autocoding and Linux systems for simulation and software integration.

• Ability to take ownership of performance requirements and conduct detailed analysis to ensure compliance.

• Experience working with GNC flight software in target test simulation environments and conducting validation testing.

• Knowledge of spacecraft subsystems, including power and thermal systems, communication antennas, and control structure interaction principles.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$105,534.00 - $145,109.25

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.

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 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.

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

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

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 Corporationis 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 withSierra Spaceor at any stage of the recruitment process, pleasecontact us.