Sierra Space

space and defense technology

Guidance,NavigationandControlsEngineerII/III-RendezvousandProximityOperations

$106–145k Centennial, Colorado, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.

The Brief

“Guidance, Navigation and Controls Engineer II/III - Rendezvous and Proximity Operations at Sierra Space. Skills: Guidance, Navigation and Controls (GNC) systems, dynamic modeling, algorithm design, simulation analysis, SIMULINK, STK, Rendezvous and Proximity Operations. design, analysis, and implementation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. develop, implement, and evaluate GNC algorithms”

What You'll Achieve.

ensure system performance; compliance with requirements; ensure system reliability and robustness; ensure compliance with performance requirements

Industry & Context.

space and defense technology
Problems you'll solve

identify issues; optimize system performance; troubleshoot

Eligibility Requirements

The ability to obtain and maintain a U. S. Security Clearance is require, U. S. Citizenship status is required

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

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, proficiency in SIMULINK programming and STK, familiarity in C, C++, Python, familiarity with version control tools such as GIT/SVN, Fundamental knowledge of GNC algorithms, 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

Nice to Have

2+ years of industry experience or master's degree with concentration in Rendezvous and Proximity Operations, proficiency in trajectory planning, relative motion dynamics, and GN&C algorithms for spacecraft maneuvers, Demonstrated knowledge of autonomous docking systems and collision avoidance techniques, experience applying relative navigation sensors and orbital mechanics principles in academic or professional settings, Background in Rotational Dynamics (kinematics and kinetic analysis), foundation in orbital mechanics principles, including Restricted 2-Body Equation of Motion, Classical (Keplerian) Orbital Elements, and relative motion dynamics in multiple reference frames, 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, understanding of autonomous GNC mode transitions and ability to perform relevant analysis, Familiarity with SIMULINK autocoding, Familiarity with 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

What You'll Do.

and implementation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications

and evaluate GNC algorithms

program and optimize simulations using SIMULINK and STK

model and analyze GNC sensors and actuators

run and modify Monte Carlo simulations

perform in-depth analysis to identify issues and optimize system performance

analyze and implement autonomous GNC mode transitions

take ownership of a group of performance requirements by conducting relevant analysis to ensure compliance

work with GNC flight software (FSW) in target test simulation environments to validate functionality

document technical findings and communicate results to stakeholders and team members

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

collaborating with cross-functional teams; communicate results to stakeholders and team members

Communication Scope

communicate results to stakeholders and team members

Full Job Description

# **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 Role** Sierra 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 robus

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