> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2818308-principal-guidance-navigation-control-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2818308-principal-guidance-navigation-control-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer - **Company:** Sierra Space - **Location:** United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $206,107.0 - $283,398.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Algorithm Design, Software Engineering, Subsystems, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Programming Languages - **Published:** September 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://startup.jobs/sr-principal-engineer-rendezvous-proximity-operations-rpo-guidance-navigation-control-lead-sierra-space-9965393 ## About the Role * Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +13 yrs experience). * Typically, 15+ years of related experience. * Extensive expertise in multiple programming languages and software development principles. * Ability to design, architect, and implement complex software systems. * Strong leadership skills to lead a team of engineers. * Ability to make high-level design decisions. * Ability to drive the strategic direction of the software engineering team. * Demonstrated project leadership, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication with nontechnical stakeholders. * Ability to architect and oversee the technical aspects of large-scale projects, innovate, and make decisions on the adoption of new technologies and methodologies. * The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required., * 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. ## Description Sierra Space is seeking Sr 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. ## Related Videos - [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide) - [AI Agents & Agentic AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2017-ai-agents-agentic-ai) - [How Regex Works: The Secret Sauce Behind Pattern Matching](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1212-how-regex-works-the-secret-sauce-behind-pattern-matching) - [10M Data Records Lost, Underwater Computing, and Psychedelic Fish - Matthias Geniar](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1908-10m-data-records-lost-underwater-computing-and-psychedelic-fish-matthias-geniar) - [Design as an algorithm, not as a feature](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/471-design-as-an-algorithm-not-as-a-feature) - [Physical AI: The Era of Intelligent Machines](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100141-physical-ai-the-era-of-intelligent-machines) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [The Prompt Engineer ✍️](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/216-the-prompt-engineer) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [Best US AI Conferences for CTOs in 2026: Build vs. Buy, Vendor Evaluation, and Peer Intelligence](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/736-best-us-ai-conferences-for-ctos-in-2026-build-vs-buy-vendor-evaluation-and-peer-intelligence)