GNC Engineer II
Job Description
ABOUT
FIREFLY AEROSPACE
Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.
SUMMARY
As a GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will design, analyze, and operate the GNC systems of operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will develop GNC and simulation software, perform dynamic analyses, and support mission operations while continuing to build breadth across core GNC competencies. This position offers hands-on experience with launch vehicle ascent guidance, attitude control systems, and real-time flight operations in a fast-paced environment. You will deepen your technical capabilities and refine your desired career trajectory, taking ownership of system elements and software tools as you grow toward a senior GNC role at Firefly.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and validate GNC software to ensure successful launch vehicle mission execution
Tune and configure attitude determination and control algorithms for all phases of launch vehicle flight
Perform 6DOF dynamic analysis of nominal and dispersed ascent trajectories
Develop and maintain simulation models for sensors, actuators, and environmental effects
Create tools to automate workflows, process flight data, and generate technical reports
Conduct stability analysis, sensitivity studies, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of GNC systems under nominal and off-nominal flight conditions
Interface with cross-discipline teams to integrate GNC software with vehicle hardware
Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post-flight analysis to improve vehicle models
Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiences
Build proficiency across core GNC competencies while contributing to continuous
improvement of GNC processes and tools
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical
engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field
2-5 years of professional experience in aerospace guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical discipline
Understanding of launch vehicle flight mechanics and attitude dynamics
Familiarity with numerical simulation techniques, integration methods, and modeling of dynamic systems
Experience with Python for scripting, data analysis, and visualization
Familiarity with C++ for real-time or flight-critical applications
Understanding of software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testing
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Desired
Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering or related field with focus on GNC, flight mechanics, or controls
Experience supporting launch vehicle GNC across development, integration, and flight
Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems or real-time applications
Knowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysis
Knowledge of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to trajectory design
Familiarity with modern flight software frameworks and real-time operating systems
Familiarity with CI/CD workflows and automated testing practices
Experience with Linux development environments and command-line tools
Exposure to spaceflight mission operations or launch campaigns
Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
