GNC Engineer II, Hypersonics

ABOUTFIREFLYAEROSPACEFirefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.SUMMARYAs a GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will design, analyze, and operate the GNC systems of operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will develop GNC and simulation software, perform dynamic analyses, and support mission operations while continuing to build breadth across core GNC competencies. This position offers hands-on experience with launch vehicle ascent guidance, attitude control systems, and real-time flight operations in a fast-paced environment. You will deepen your technical capabilities and refine your desired career trajectory, taking ownership of system elements and software tools as you grow toward a senior GNC role at Firefly.RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop and validate GNC software to ensure successful launch vehicle mission executionTune and configure attitude determination and control algorithms for all phases of launch vehicle flightPerform 6DOF dynamic analysis of nominal and dispersed ascent trajectoriesDevelop and maintain simulation models for sensors, actuators, and environmental effectsCreate tools to automate workflows, process flight data, and generate technical reportsConduct stability analysis, sensitivity studies, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of GNC systems under nominal and off-nominal flight conditionsInterface with cross-discipline teams to integrate GNC software with vehicle hardwareServe as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve vehicle modelsAuthor technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiencesBuild proficiency across core GNC competencies while contributing to continuous improvement of GNC processes and toolsQUALIFICATIONSRequiredBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field2-5 years of professional experience in aerospace guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical disciplineUnderstanding of launch vehicle flight mechanics and attitude dynamicsFamiliarity with numerical simulation techniques, integration methods, and modeling of dynamic systemsExperience with Python for scripting, data analysis, and visualizationFamiliarity with C++ for real-time or flight-critical applicationsUnderstanding of software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testingStrong written and verbal communication skillsDesiredAdvanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering or related field with focus on GNC, flight mechanics, or controlsExperience supporting launch vehicle GNC across development, integration, and flightProficiency in C++ for embedded systems or real-time applicationsKnowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysisKnowledge of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to trajectory designFamiliarity with modern flight software frameworks and real-time operating systemsFamiliarity with CI/CD workflows and automated testing practicesExperience with Linux development environments and command-line toolsExposure to spaceflight mission operations or launch campaignsFirefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.Department: Aerospace Software Engineering Location: Cedar Park, TX