GNC Engineer III (Trajectory), Alpha

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly 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 Senior GNC Engineer specializing in trajectory design at Firefly, you will design and optimize trajectories and guidance algorithms for operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will develop powered ascent trajectories and guidance algorithms, support new mission conception and performance analysis, and provide technical leadership while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This position combines launch vehicle dynamics, numerical optimization techniques, and hands-on flight operations support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced operational environment.RESPONSIBILITIESDesign, analyze, and optimize launch vehicle trajectories to maximize performance within operational and vehicle constraintsDevelop and implement launch vehicle guidance algorithms for powered ascent and orbital insertionConduct statistical trajectory analysis to quantify performance margins and validate system robustness to off-nominal flight conditionsEstablish technical standards and validation methodologies for mission planning, trajectory design, and guidance algorithm verificationSupport business development activities including mission feasibility assessments, payload performance analysis, and customer mission concept developmentDevelop mission analysis tools and automation pipelines to enable responsive design iterationDrive resolution of complex GNC challenges requiring deep technical expertise and rapid problem-solvingProvide technical direction on system architecture and serve as subject matter expert for launch vehicle trajectoriesMentor junior engineers in trajectory optimization and mission designAuthor technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiencesInterface with cross-discipline teams to balance trajectory requirements with vehicle capabilities and operational constraintsServe as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve vehicle modelsChampion continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiencyQUALIFICATIONSRequiredBachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field5-10 years of experience in launch vehicle trajectory design, mission planning, or guidance algorithm developmentAdvanced knowledge of launch vehicle flight mechanics and high-fidelity modeling of gravity, aerodynamics, and propulsionStrong understanding of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to trajectory simulation and mission designExperience conducting mission trade studies, feasibility analysis, and performance verification for launch vehicle missionsFamiliarity with software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testingStrong proficiency in one or more trajectory design software tools (POST, OTIS, TAOS, or similar)Proficiency in Python for scripting, data analysis, and automationExcellent communication and presentation skillsDesiredMaster's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or related fieldExperience designing and analyzing trajectories for operational launch vehicles from preliminary design to flightExpertise in guidance algorithm design including explicit, implicit, and iterative methodsOperational experience resolving range safety constraints during mission design and securing flight approval for launchesAdvanced knowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysisAdvanced knowledge of attitude dynamics and control theory, including rotational dynamics, attitude representations, control moment generation, and stability analysisExperience creating automation tools that accelerate trajectory design and mission analysisSoftware engineering expertise with proficiency in development practices including version control, code review, testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflowsExpertise in real-time software development using C++ for flight-critical applicationsWorking knowledge of launch vehicle systems and mission operationsProven ability to develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilitiesTrack record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or contributions to industry state-of-the-artFirefly 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