Principal GNC Engineer

About Firefly AerospaceFirefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space.SummaryAs a Principal GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will serve as a technical authority on launch vehicle GNC systems enabling missions to low Earth orbit and beyond. This technical leadership role requires an authoritative knowledge base in launch vehicle GNC disciplines, with a proven track record of solving the most complex GNC challenges on operational missions. In this role, you will drive technical strategies and capability development, provide authoritative technical review and guidance, and mentor engineers at all levels. This position balances hands-on technical contribution with strategic leadership, offering the opportunity to influence system architectures from concept through operations, represent Firefly's technical excellence to customers and executive leadership, and solve unique problems that push the boundaries of spaceflight.ResponsibilitiesServe as a technical authority on the guidance, navigation, and control of launch vehicles, providing expertise across programs and domainsDevelop and validate novel GNC methodologies, tools, and best practices for complex or unprecedented mission requirementsLead resolution of the most challenging GNC problems across the organizationProvide authoritative technical review and oversight of launch vehicle GNC designs, changes, and risksEstablish technical standards for mission design, software development, testing, and requirement verificationDrive GNC strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps, investment priorities, and opportunities for adopting emerging technologyInitiate and execute continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiencyRepresent GNC expertise in executive-level technical reviews, mission milestone reviews, customer meetings, and proposal effortsParticipate in critical technical work including algorithm development, test campaign execution, and mission operations supportMentor and develop engineers at all levels, cultivating the next generation of technical leadersQualificationsRequiredMaster's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or related field, or bachelor's degree with substantial technical accomplishments demonstrating analytical rigor equivalent to graduate research10+ years of experience in launch vehicle GNC with demonstrated expertise and technical leadership across multiple programsDemonstrated experience supporting operational launch vehicle missions through multiple flight campaignsMastery of launch vehicle dynamics with deep expertise in a specialization area combined with strong understanding across GNC domainsExperience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and capability development initiatives for GNC teamsProficiency in the development of flight software and physics simulations for spaceflight applicationsSoftware engineering expertise with proficiency in development practices including version control, code review, testing, documentation, and CI/CDProficiency with Python, C++, Linux, and specialized tools and libraries relevant to domainComprehensive knowledge of launch vehicle subsystems and their impact on GNC design and performanceDemonstrated ability to elevate the technical capabilities of engineers through mentorship, developing high performers who strengthen the organization around themExcellent communication and presentation skills, with an ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholdersDesiredPhD with research contributions advancing a specialization area relevant to launch vehicle GNCBackground as a technical leader on operational launch vehicle programs from development through multiple successful flightsDeep expertise in advanced techniques relevant to specializationDemonstrated proficiency across multiple GNC specialization areasProven ability to influence technical direction and drive consensus across multidisciplinary organizationsSkill in communicating with program management, customers, and executives in both technical and business forumsExperience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving flight-critical GNC issuesHistory of applying technical expertise to achieve customer mission success and initiate new business opportunitiesInnovation through patents or technical contributions in specialization areaTrack record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or contributions to industry state-of-the-artFirefly 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.