GNC Manager, Launch Vehicles

Employer description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE
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 the Launch Vehicle GNC Manager at Firefly Aerospace, you will lead a technical team supporting guidance, navigation, and control system design, analysis, and flight operations for operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will own all aspects of team leadership including recruitment, career development, and performance management while driving strategic planning, budget management, and operational execution. This position combines technical expertise in launch vehicle GNC with organizational leadership, requiring you to build team capabilities, foster a high-performing culture, and deliver mission-critical support in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead a GNC team supporting multiple launch vehicle programs and development effortsSet GNC objectives and communicate priorities to team members and cross-functional stakeholdersInterface with program managers and mission stakeholders to allocate team responsibilities and establish execution schedulesDrive GNC strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment prioritiesChampion continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiencyDirect daily operations of the team ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical software development, analysis, and operational supportDevelop and manage the GNC budget and annual operating planOwn all aspects of team staffing including hiring, onboarding, and workforce planningConduct performance evaluations and drive career development through mentorship and coaching of engineers at all levelsFoster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environmentQUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field10+ years of experience in launch vehicle GNC with demonstrated expertise across guidance, navigation, and control system design5+ years of technical leadership experience including directing the work of other engineers and technical staffDemonstrated experience supporting operational launch vehicle missions through multiple mission phasesDemonstrated success building team capabilities through mentorship, training, and career developmentExperience managing team budgets, resource planning, and workforce forecastingExperience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for GNC organizationsExcellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholdersAbility to foster a collaborative team culture while meeting demanding mission schedulesDesired

Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related fieldKnowledge of launch vehicle subsystems and their impact on GNC system design and performanceProven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing technical talentExperience with Python and LinuxProficiency in real-time software development using C++ for flight-critical applicationsExperience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for GNC teamsExperience leading or supporting anomaly investigations and resolving critical mission issues 

Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, relocation benefits, 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.