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

Company: Sierra Space
Location: Louisville
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Sierra Space Careers: At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space. We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team. About the Role Sierra Space is seeking Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to lead the development, integration, and innovation of advanced GNC systems for spacecraft applications. This senior role requires extensive expertise across all aspects of GNC algorithmic design, autonomy, and system architecture. The successful candidate will drive technical excellence across programs and ensure scalable and reusable designs for multiple platforms. This role offers the opportunity to drive innovation and technical excellence in aerospace technology. In this role, you will drive program execution towards achieving key GNC milestones while sharing your GNC design and development expertise, serving as both a lead and an individual contributor across multiple programs. You will own the end-to-end design aspects of Guidance, Navigation, and Control on various programs and formulate GNC design, development, and testing architecture and processes for new programs, focusing on flexibility, adaptability, and reliability to meet long-term program goals. Additionally, you will 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, and assist with HITL troubleshooting. You will also perform sensor and actuator selection and sizing based on program requirements, using and developing relevant design tools, and assist in AI&T by conducting HITL unit and integrated testing to verify GNC subsystem performance. About You Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement. Minimum Qualifications: 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. The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required. Preferred Qualifications: 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. Compensation : Pay Range: $169,294.00 - $232,800.25 Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness. IMPORTANT NOTICE: 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. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use. Elevate Your Career At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations. We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more. Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration. Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified. Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees. Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us .

Keywords: Sierra Space, Broomfield , Principal Engineer, Rendezvous & Proximity Operations (RPO), Guidance, Navigation & Control, Lead, Engineering , Louisville, Colorado