Hiring: Principal Spacecraft GNC Engineer, Controls Company: Firefly Aerospace Location: Cedar Park, TX Job Posted Time: 2026-09-11 12:52:00 Target Skills & Keywords : Aerospace Engineering, C++, CI/CD, Embedded Systems, Git, Performance Testing, Python, Systems Design, Systems Integration About the job Experience: •8-12 years of experience in spacecraft ADCS systems with significant depth in attitude control system design or flight software development •12 years of experience in spacecraft ADCS systems with significant depth in attitude control system design or flight software development Required Skills: •Provide technical direction on system architecture and serve as subject matter expert for spacecraft control •Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude control software to ensure accurate pointing across all mission phases •Own design and implementation of control laws for orbital maneuvering and descent and landing •Develop control systems accounting for complex spacecraft dynamics including structural flex modes, propellant slosh, gimbal dynamics, and control structure interaction •Establish technical standards and validation methodologies for control system design, software development, and hardware-in-the-loop testing •Conduct stability analysis, sensitivity studies, and performance optimization for control systems under nominal and off-nominal conditions •Support hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns for integrated ADCS systems including control algorithm validation, flight software verification, and system-level performance testing •Drive resolution of complex ADCS challenges requiring deep technical expertise and rapid problem-solving Qualifications: •Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field •Advanced knowledge of attitude dynamics and control theory, including rotational dynamics, attitude representations, control moment generation, and stability analysis •In-depth knowledge of classical control theory and frequency domain analysis techniques •Proficiency in thrust vector control design and interaction with the greater GNC subsystem •Expertise in real-time software development using C++ for mission-critical applications •Proficiency in hardware-in-the-loop testing and requirement verification for mission-critical systems •Understanding of software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testing •Excellent communication and presentation skills •Master's degree or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied mathematics, or related field •Expertise in advanced control techniques such as nonlinear control methods, optimal control, model predictive control, or adaptive control applied to spacecraft applications Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!