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Sierra Space · 1 month ago

Principal Engineer, Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO), Guidance, Navigation & Control, Lead

Centennial, CO

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff

$165K/yr - $227K/yr

12+ years exp

Sierra Space is a leading space and defense technology company focused on safeguarding our nation and enabling space exploration. The Principal Engineer will lead the development and integration of advanced Guidance, Navigation, and Control systems for spacecraft applications, ensuring technical excellence across multiple programs.

Advanced MaterialsAerospaceIndustrial ManufacturingSpace TravelTransportation

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead the development, integration, and innovation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications

Drive program execution towards achieving key GNC milestones while sharing GNC design and development expertise

Own the end-to-end design aspects of Guidance, Navigation, and Control on various programs

Formulate GNC design, development, and testing architecture and processes for new programs, focusing on flexibility, adaptability, and reliability

Architect GNC sensor, avionics, and actuator frameworks in conjunction with FSW C&DH

Provide input to Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) planning as a GNC expert on test configurations

Assist with HITL troubleshooting

Perform sensor and actuator selection and sizing based on program requirements, using and developing relevant design tools

Assist in AI&T by conducting HITL unit and integrated testing to verify GNC subsystem performance

Qualification

GNC algorithm designSubsystem integrationSpacecraft developmentAdaptive control systemsRobust control systemsParticle filtering techniquesSTKSIMULINK programmingFPGA programmingTrainingTeam leadershipCommunication skillsMentoring

Required

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 10+ years of related experience

12+ years of experience in GNC algorithm design, subsystem integration, and spacecraft development

Experience with leading design reviews for programs and customers

Possess in-depth knowledge of adaptive and robust control systems, LOS and jitter mitigation design and analysis, and particle filtering techniques

Demonstrate subject matter expertise in at least two areas of GNC algorithmic design and have experience with end-to-end GNC design on at least one program

Experience with planning and scheduling GNC tasks for multiple teams and programs; develop advanced proposals and SOWs for customers

Advanced user of STK; expertise in SIMULINK programming and auto coding, JIRA, Confluence, and MS Project; familiarity with FPGA programming

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment

Preferred

Experience with developing conceptual interfacing frameworks for sensors and actuators with avionics

Lead end-to-end efforts in Rendezvous, Proximity Operations (RPO), and docking activities, including mission planning, trajectory optimization, system integration, and operational execution to ensure precise and reliable spacecraft interactions

Ability to explain complex design concepts, sub-system relationships, and internal GNC interactions to the team; train and guide GNC engineers for career development; develop high-level roadmap program documentation

Experience with developing advanced optimization-based simulation techniques using adaptive and predictive control algorithms

Establish and understand complex relationships between different sub-system requirements and GNC, leading to critical design decisions

Perform formal tasking and delegation to track progress; share in-depth subject matter knowledge with the team

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

3 weeks paid time off

Company

Sierra Space

Sierra Space is a commercial space company that specializes in the development of advanced space technologies and solutions. It is a sub-organization of Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Founded in 2021

Louisville, Colorado, USA

1001-5000 employees