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

Sierra Space
life insurance, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, Colorado, Centennial
Nov 17, 2025
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 RoleAs a Senior/Principal Guidance, Navigation, and Control Engineer, you will lead the design, development, and implementation of highly advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for aerospace vehicles. This senior-level role involves working on cutting-edge aerospace technology, performing detailed simulations, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring the reliability and performance of our systems. You will also lead a team of engineers, make high-level design decisions, and significantly impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance. 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.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for aerospace vehicles.

  • Perform advanced simulations and analyses to validate system performance.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate GNC systems with other subsystems.

  • Develop and maintain complex software for GNC algorithms and systems.

  • Conduct rigorous testing and troubleshooting of GNC systems to ensure reliability and performance.

  • Document design processes, test results, and system performance.

  • Lead and mentor a team of engineers, providing technical leadership and support.

  • Make high-level design decisions that impact program cost, schedule, and technical performance.

  • Support the development of technical proposals and presentations.

About You

Our mission is driven by the unwavering passion to push the boundaries of what is possible. We seek those who Dare to Dream - to envision the extraordinary and pursue it relentlessly - to join us on this transformational journey.

We're looking for dreamers who align with our values, vision, and audacious goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +6 yrs experience).

  • Typically, 8+ years of related experience.

  • Expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles.

  • Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems.

  • Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers.

  • Ability to make high-level design decisions that will have significant impacts on program cost, schedule, and technical performance.

  • An active Top Secret with SCI eligibility U.S. Security Clearance is required.

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:

$137,610.00 - $189,213.75

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.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

Sr - $152,845 - $210,182

Principal - $180,125 - $247,170

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.

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements:

  • Frequently walk, sit, stand, climb stairs and steps

  • Frequently repeat same hand, arm, and finger motion many times to include finger and hand dexterity

  • Rarely lifting or carrying up to 25 lbs.

Working Conditions:

  • Rarely exposed to outdoor elements (high/low temperatures, sun, rain/snow, etc.)

  • Rarely exposed to fumes or hazardous chemicals/materials

  • Rarely exposed to loud noises

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 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.

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