GNC Manager, Launch Vehicles

Job 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 efforts Set GNC objectives and communicate priorities to team members and cross-functional stakeholders Interface with program managers and mission stakeholders to allocate team responsibilities and establish execution schedules Drive GNC strategy and roadmap development, identifying capability gaps and investment priorities Champion continuous improvement initiatives for GNC processes, tools, and operational efficiency Direct daily operations of the team ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical software development, analysis, and operational support Develop and manage the GNC budget and annual operating plan Own all aspects of team staffing including hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning Conduct performance evaluations and drive career development through mentorship and coaching of engineers at all levels Foster a healthy team culture and maintain high morale in a demanding technical and operational environment QUALIFICATIONS Required Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field 10+ years of experience in launch vehicle GNC with demonstrated expertise across guidance, navigation, and control system design 5+ years of technical leadership experience including directing the work of other engineers and technical staff Demonstrated experience supporting operational launch vehicle missions through multiple mission phases Demonstrated success building team capabilities through mentorship, training, and career development Experience managing team budgets, resource planning, and workforce forecasting Experience establishing technical standards, processes, and best practices for GNC organizations Excellent communication skills with ability to convey complex technical concepts to executives, customers, and non-technical stakeholders Ability to foster a collaborative team culture while meeting demanding mission schedules Desired Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field Knowledge of launch vehicle subsystems and their impact on GNC system design and performance Proven ability to recruit, hire, develop, and retain high-performing technical talent Experience with Python and Linux Proficiency in real-time software development using C++ for flight-critical applications Experience developing strategic vision, technical roadmaps, and upgrade initiatives for GNC teams Experience 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.