GNC Engineer III (Trajectory), Alpha
Firefly Aerospace, Granite Heights, WI, United States
Firefly 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.
SUMMARY
As a Senior GNC Engineer specializing in trajectory design at Firefly, you will design and optimize trajectories and guidance algorithms for operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will develop powered ascent trajectories and guidance algorithms, support new mission conception and performance analysis, and provide technical leadership while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This position combines launch vehicle dynamics, numerical optimization techniques, and hands-on flight operations support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced operational environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Design, analyze, and optimize launch vehicle trajectories to maximize performance within operational and vehicle constraints
Develop and implement launch vehicle guidance algorithms for powered ascent and orbital insertion
Conduct statistical trajectory analysis to quantify performance margins and validate system robustness to off-nominal flight conditions
Establish technical standards and validation methodologies for mission planning, trajectory design, and guidance algorithm verification
Support business development activities including mission feasibility assessments, payload performance analysis, and customer mission concept development
Develop mission analysis tools and automation pipelines to enable responsive design iteration
Drive resolution of complex GNC challenges requiring deep technical expertise and rapid problem-solving
Provide technical direction on system architecture and serve as subject matter expert for launch vehicle trajectories
Mentor junior engineers in trajectory optimization and mission design
Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiences
Interface with cross-discipline teams to balance trajectory requirements with vehicle capabilities and operational constraints
Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post‑flight analysis to improve vehicle models
Champion continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiency
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field
5-10 years of experience in launch vehicle trajectory design, mission planning, or guidance algorithm development
Advanced knowledge of launch vehicle flight mechanics and high‑fidelity modeling of gravity, aerodynamics, and propulsion
Strong understanding of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to trajectory simulation and mission design
Experience conducting mission trade studies, feasibility analysis, and performance verification for launch vehicle missions
Familiarity with software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testing
Strong proficiency in one or more trajectory design software tools (POST, OTIS, TAOS, or similar)
Proficiency in Python for scripting, data analysis, and automation
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Master's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or related field
Experience designing and analyzing trajectories for operational launch vehicles from preliminary design to flight
Expertise in guidance algorithm design including explicit, implicit, and iterative methods
Operational experience resolving range safety constraints during mission design and securing flight approval for launches
Advanced knowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysis
Advanced knowledge of attitude dynamics and control theory, including rotational dynamics, attitude representations, control moment generation, and stability analysis
Experience creating automation tools that accelerate trajectory design and mission analysis
Software engineering expertise with proficiency in development practices including version control, code review, testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows
Expertise in real‑time software development using C++ for flight‑critical applications
Working knowledge of launch vehicle systems and mission operations
Proven ability to develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities
Track record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or contributions to industry state‑of‑the‑art
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.
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SUMMARY
As a Senior GNC Engineer specializing in trajectory design at Firefly, you will design and optimize trajectories and guidance algorithms for operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will develop powered ascent trajectories and guidance algorithms, support new mission conception and performance analysis, and provide technical leadership while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This position combines launch vehicle dynamics, numerical optimization techniques, and hands-on flight operations support while mentoring junior engineers in a fast-paced operational environment.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Design, analyze, and optimize launch vehicle trajectories to maximize performance within operational and vehicle constraints
Develop and implement launch vehicle guidance algorithms for powered ascent and orbital insertion
Conduct statistical trajectory analysis to quantify performance margins and validate system robustness to off-nominal flight conditions
Establish technical standards and validation methodologies for mission planning, trajectory design, and guidance algorithm verification
Support business development activities including mission feasibility assessments, payload performance analysis, and customer mission concept development
Develop mission analysis tools and automation pipelines to enable responsive design iteration
Drive resolution of complex GNC challenges requiring deep technical expertise and rapid problem-solving
Provide technical direction on system architecture and serve as subject matter expert for launch vehicle trajectories
Mentor junior engineers in trajectory optimization and mission design
Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiences
Interface with cross-discipline teams to balance trajectory requirements with vehicle capabilities and operational constraints
Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post‑flight analysis to improve vehicle models
Champion continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiency
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field
5-10 years of experience in launch vehicle trajectory design, mission planning, or guidance algorithm development
Advanced knowledge of launch vehicle flight mechanics and high‑fidelity modeling of gravity, aerodynamics, and propulsion
Strong understanding of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to trajectory simulation and mission design
Experience conducting mission trade studies, feasibility analysis, and performance verification for launch vehicle missions
Familiarity with software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testing
Strong proficiency in one or more trajectory design software tools (POST, OTIS, TAOS, or similar)
Proficiency in Python for scripting, data analysis, and automation
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Master's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering or related field
Experience designing and analyzing trajectories for operational launch vehicles from preliminary design to flight
Expertise in guidance algorithm design including explicit, implicit, and iterative methods
Operational experience resolving range safety constraints during mission design and securing flight approval for launches
Advanced knowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysis
Advanced knowledge of attitude dynamics and control theory, including rotational dynamics, attitude representations, control moment generation, and stability analysis
Experience creating automation tools that accelerate trajectory design and mission analysis
Software engineering expertise with proficiency in development practices including version control, code review, testing, documentation, and CI/CD workflows
Expertise in real‑time software development using C++ for flight‑critical applications
Working knowledge of launch vehicle systems and mission operations
Proven ability to develop junior engineers while managing technical responsibilities
Track record of thought leadership through publications, presentations, or contributions to industry state‑of‑the‑art
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.
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