About the role

  • Senior ADCS Engineer designing and implementing advanced control systems and autonomy software for spacecraft at Firefly Aerospace. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

  • Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude control software to ensure accurate pointing across all mission phases
  • Implement control techniques for critical mission phases using reaction wheels, control moment gyros, magnetic torque rods, and thruster systems
  • 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
  • Provide technical direction on system architecture and serve as subject matter expert for spacecraft control
  • Mentor junior engineers in control theory and flight software development
  • Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate ADCS concepts and results to diverse audiences
  • Interface with cross-discipline teams to integrate control software with spacecraft hardware
  • Serve as an ADCS console operator for spacecraft operations and perform post-mission analysis to improve spacecraft models
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives for ADCS processes, tools, and operational efficiency

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or related field
  • 5-10 years of experience in spacecraft ADCS systems with significant depth in attitude control system design or flight software development
  • Advanced knowledge of attitude dynamics and control theory, including rotational dynamics, attitude representations, control moment generation, and stability analysis
  • Strong understanding of classical control theory and frequency domain analysis techniques
  • Expertise in real-time software development using C++ for mission-critical applications
  • Experience developing high-fidelity actuator models and attitude control system testbeds
  • 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

Benefits

  • generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles
  • parental leave
  • educational reimbursement
  • short term disability
  • flexible PTO options

Job title

ADCS Engineer III, Controls

Job type

Experience level

Mid levelSenior

Salary

Not specified

Degree requirement

Bachelor's Degree

Location requirements

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