GNC Engineer II (Hypersonics)

Job Description

ABOUT 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 for operational launch vehicles including the Alpha Launch Vehicle and emerging hypersonic programs In this role you will develop GNC and simulation software tailored to high speed flight regimes perform dynamic analyses across diverse trajectory profiles and support mission operations while building breadth across multiple vehicle programs This position offers hands on experience with launch vehicle ascent guidance hypersonic guidance algorithms attitude control in high dynamic pressure environments and real time flight operations in a fast paced environment You will deepen your technical capabilities in flight mechanics and controls with particular emphasis on hypersonic applications taking ownership of system elements and software tools supporting Fireflys expanding vehicle portfolio RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and validate GNC software to ensure successful mission execution across multiple vehicle programsDesign and tune attitude determination and control algorithms for all phases of flight including boost ascent and terminal phasesPerform 6DOF dynamic analysis of nominal and dispersed trajectories including aerodynamic heating effects trajectory shaping and range optimizationDevelop and maintain simulation models for aerodynamics hypersonic thermal constraints propulsion systems sensors and actuatorsCreate tools to automate workflows process flight data and generate technical reports for vehicle performanceConduct stability analysis sensitivity studies and hardware in the loop testing of GNC systems under flight conditions including off nominal scenariosInterface with cross discipline teams aerodynamics propulsion structures thermal to integrate GNC software with vehicle hardwareSupport trajectory optimization and targeting for mission profiles including launch vehicles and high speed flight regimesServe as a GNC console operator for vehicle launch operations and perform post flight analysis to improve vehicle models and performance predictionsAuthor technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiencesBuild proficiency across GNC competencies while contributing to continuous improvement of GNC processes and tools QUALIFICATIONS Required Bachelors degree in aerospace engineering mechanical engineering electrical engineering physics mathematics computer science or related field2 5 years of professional experience in aerospace guidance navigation and control or related technical disciplineUnderstanding of flight mechanics aerodynamics and attitude dynamicsFamiliarity with numerical simulation techniques integration methods and modeling of dynamic systemsExperience with Python for scripting data analysis and visualizationFamiliarity with C for real time or flight critical applicationsUnderstanding of software development best practices including version control Git code documentation and testingStrong written and verbal communication skills Desired Advanced degree masters or PhD in aerospace engineering or related field with focus on GNC flight mechanics hypersonics or controlsExperience supporting launch vehicle or hypersonic vehicle GNC across development integration and flightExperience with high speed or hypersonic flight test wind tunnel testing or flight dynamics analysisKnowledge of aerodynamic and aerothermal effects on vehicle performance and control particularly in high speed flight regimesUnderstanding of trajectory optimization techniques for hypersonic mission profiles including skip trajectories boost glide profiles and multi phase mission designProficiency in C for embedded systems or real time applicationsKnowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering sensor fusion and covariance analysisExperience with control allocation and adaptive control techniques for vehicles with varying control authorityFamiliarity with modern flight software frameworks and real time operating systemsFamiliarity with CICD workflows and automated testing practicesExperience with Linux development environments and command line toolsExposure to flight test campaigns launch operations or mission operationsUnderstanding of multi phase trajectory design for vehicles transitioning between propulsion modes or flight regimes 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 US Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations ITAR you must be a US citizen lawful permanent resident of the US protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324ba3 or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the US 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 originethnicity veteran status disability status age sexual orientation gender identity marital status mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status