Guidance, Navigation and Controls - Sr/Principal (Clearance Required)

Company: Sierra Space
Location: Louisville
Posted on: April 1, 2026

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 Sr Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to lead the design, development, and verification of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This senior-level role requires extensive experience in GNC algorithm design, sensor and actuator selection, and system-level integration. The selected candidate will be responsible for architecting integrated GNC designs, creating detailed plans for program execution, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance across spacecraft subsystems. This role offers the opportunity to drive innovation and technical excellence in aerospace technology. In this role, you will design and implement advanced guidance and control algorithms, including optimal control and autonomous navigation techniques using LIDAR, vision, GPS, and RGPS systems. You will lead the end-to-end design and development of GNC algorithms, architect integrated subsystem designs, and quantify performance impacts. Additionally, you will develop Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) tasking, long-term plans, and Gantt charts for program execution, supporting internal and external proposals and Statements of Work (SOWs). You will perform sensor and actuator selection and sizing based on program requirements, leveraging and developing relevant design tools. Furthermore, you will assist in Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) by conducting HITL unit and integrated testing to verify GNC subsystem performance. You will set up integrated closed-loop dynamic models and GNC simulations, perform MIMO linearization, and analyze complex closed-loop data interactions. Moreover, you will decompose high-level requirements into low-level GNC subsystem requirements, translating them into sensor and actuator sizing and selection. Finally, you will interface sensors with onboard avionics by addressing physical compute limitations, defining interfaces, and developing target timing requirements. 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). Master’s degree is preferred for candidates with 6 years of related experience. 8 years of experience in GNC algorithm design, subsystem integration, and spacecraft development. Familiarity with advanced guidance and control algorithms, including optimal control and autonomous navigation using LIDAR, vision, GPS, and RGPS techniques. Experience with leading the development of complex GNC mode managers for subsystem-level control across spacecraft flight phases. Proficiency in STK, JIRA, Confluence, and MS Project. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with presenting design review material to program and customer, explaining complex concepts succinctly. Familiarity with advanced guidance and control algorithms (optimal control, autonomous navigation using LIDAR, vision, GPS, RGPS). In-depth knowledge and experience with end-to-end design in at least one area of GNC algorithms; ability to understand, architect, and quantify impact of integrated GNC design and performance. Experience with developing IMS tasking and long-term plans, estimate hours, and create Gantt charts for the program. Support GNC proposals and SOWs. Advanced skills in STK, JIRA, Confluence, and MS Project. Experience with sensor and actuator selection & sizing based on program requirements; use/ develop relevant design tools. Experience with AI&T in HITL environment and integrated testing to verify performance. Experience with setting up integrated closed-loop dynamic model and GNC simulations, interfacing, MIMO linearization, and analyze closed-loop data based on complex interactions within GNC algorithms. Experience with development of complex GNC mode managers for the subsystem. Experience with decomposing program requirements into low-level GNC sub-system and translate into sensors and actuator sizing and selection. Familiarity with sensor interfacing to onboard avionics, understand physical compute limitations, develop interface definitions, and target timing requirements. Experience with conducting trade studies with power, thermal, communications, and structures to develop and check performance. Promote knowledge sharing through mentoring sessions. Resolve conflicts on a team. Compensation : Pay Range: $141,051.00 - $193,944.00 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 current/active Top Secret with SCI eligibility 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 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 .

Keywords: Sierra Space, Cheyenne , Guidance, Navigation and Controls - Sr/Principal (Clearance Required), Engineering , Louisville, Wyoming