Firefly Aerospace · 1 day ago
Spacecraft GNC Manager
Cedar Park, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
10+ years expFirefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables world-class space missions. As the Spacecraft GNC Manager, you will lead the development and operations of spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems, managing a multidisciplinary team to ensure system performance from concept through operations.
AerospaceAir TransportationSatellite Communication
Responsibilities
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing spacecraft GNC team spanning ADCS, flight dynamics, and navigation disciplines
Define GNC system architecture and performance requirements across Firefly spacecraft programs, including orbiters, landers, and future deep-space vehicles
Oversee design, analysis, and verification of control laws, state estimation filters, and guidance algorithms for spacecraft pointing, attitude stabilization, and trajectory control
Direct mission design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning activities through pre-launch design, launch, and on-orbit operations
Integrate GNC subsystems with avionics, software, propulsion, and mission operations teams to ensure system-level performance and reliability
Establish best practices for GNC verification and validation (V&V), including hardware-in-the-loop testing, Monte Carlo simulations, and operational rehearsals
Lead troubleshooting and anomaly resolution for on-orbit GNC performance, ensuring mission safety and recovery strategies
Represent the GNC discipline in program reviews, technical exchanges, and customer briefings
Drive continuous improvement of tools, automation, and analytical pipelines supporting design, analysis, and operations
Qualification
Required
Professional experience developing and operating spacecraft GNC or ADCS systems for Earth-orbiting or interplanetary missions
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, physics, or related field, and 10+ years of relevant work experience
Demonstrated leadership or management of a technical GNC or flight dynamics team
Expertise in attitude determination and control, estimation, and guidance algorithm development
Experience with orbit determination, maneuver planning, and trajectory design
Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB, with strong understanding of numerical methods and software development practices (Git, CI/CD, testing frameworks)
Strong communication skills, with experience presenting technical content to mixed technical and program audiences
Proven ability to lead under pressure in fast-paced operational or development environments
Preferred
15+ years of relevant experience, including experience as a technical or functional manager
Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, or related field
Experience supporting or leading on-orbit operations for spacecraft GNC or ADCS systems
Proficiency with simulation and analysis tools such as Monte, MATLAB/Simulink, FreeFlyer, GMAT, or custom Python frameworks
Familiarity with Linux-based environments, scripting, and containerized toolchains
Understanding of sensor and actuator hardware (e.g., reaction wheels, thrusters, star trackers, gyros, sun sensors)
Background in fault management, GNC mode logic, and closed-loop autonomy
Experience integrating GNC algorithms with flight software and ground systems
Company
Firefly Aerospace
Firefly Aerospace is a space company that develops and operates launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles for commercial mission.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$796.56MKey Investors
Northrop GrummanRPM VenturesAE Industrial Partners
2025-08-07IPO
2025-05-29Corporate Round· $50M
2024-11-12Series D· $175M
Leadership Team
Jason Kim
Chief Executive Officer
Eric Salwan
Co-Founder
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2026-01-16
Company data provided by crunchbase