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Aerospace Gnc Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

Careers At Firefly Aerospace Share with friends or Subscribe! Current job opportunities are posted ... SUMMARY As a GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will design, analyze, and operate the GNC systems of ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Develop GNC models and algorithms for implementation in aerospace vehicle simulations * Perform engineering trade studies to support GNC design and/or performance analysis * Support hardware-in-the ...

GNC Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field * 5+ years of experience in GNC, controls, or related fields * Strong fundamentals in dynamics, control theory ...

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a ... As a GNC Engineer, you'll play a critical role in shaping the future of our company's growth. You ...

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a ... As a GNC Engineer , you'll play a critical role in shaping the future of our company's growth. You ...

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or related field * 5+ years of relevant GNC engineering experience in the aerospace and defense ...

Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace ... GNC role, preferably on airborne platforms * Experience with Matlab and Simulink * Experience in ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Develop GNC models and algorithms for implementation in aerospace vehicle simulations * Perform engineering trade studies to support GNC design and/or performance analysis * Support hardware-in-the ...

Founding GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Bachelor's degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Applied ... GNC development for counter-UAS, air-defense, missile, interceptor, or other high-dynamic aerospace ...

GNC Engineer As a GNC Engineer, you will own guidance, navigation, and control across the full ... Bachelor's degree in aerospace/mechanical/electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, robotics ...

Showing results 21-40

Aerospace Gnc Engineer information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do aerospace gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace gnc engineer in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Aerospace GNC engineer?

Aerospace GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineers are professionals who design and develop the systems that guide, navigate, and control aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other aerospace vehicles. They work on the algorithms and hardware that ensure vehicles maintain their intended paths, respond to changing conditions, and achieve precise maneuvers. GNC engineers use advanced mathematics, physics, and software tools to model dynamic systems and implement solutions for stability and accuracy. Their work is essential for the safety, reliability, and performance of aerospace missions.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an Aerospace GNC engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, control systems, mathematics, and typically a degree in aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Proficiency with simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, programming languages like C/C++, and experience with embedded systems is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualities ensure precise system performance, innovation, and reliable mission outcomes in complex aerospace projects.

What challenges do Aerospace GNC engineers face when integrating guidance, navigation, and control systems into new aerospace platforms?

Aerospace GNC Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating hardware and software components to ensure reliable and precise system performance. Balancing the demands of rapid prototyping with rigorous safety and regulatory requirements can be complex, especially when working with multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, adapting GNC algorithms to work seamlessly with varying sensor suites and actuators requires strong problem-solving skills. Collaborating closely with systems engineers, avionics teams, and flight test personnel is essential to effectively troubleshoot and optimize system behavior throughout the development lifecycle.

What is the difference between Aerospace Gnc Engineer vs Aerospace Systems Engineer?

AspectAerospace Gnc EngineerAerospace Systems Engineer
Primary FocusNavigation, Guidance, and Control systemsOverall aerospace system design and integration
Required SkillsControl theory, sensors, actuators, embedded systemsSystems engineering, project management, interdisciplinary coordination
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, aerospace companies, spacecraft developmentDesign teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaboration

While both roles are integral to aerospace development, Aerospace Gnc Engineers specialize in navigation, guidance, and control systems, ensuring precise operation of aerospace vehicles. Aerospace Systems Engineers oversee the entire system integration, focusing on design, testing, and project coordination. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Gnc Engineer jobs?

For Aerospace Gnc Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Aerospace Gnc Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

GNC Engineer II, Hypersonics

WI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Firefly Aerospace rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Career Opportunities with Firefly Aerospace

Come be a part of the 21 st Century Space Race!

Careers At Firefly Aerospace

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Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

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Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company on a mission to reliably and repeatedly launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the first commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the first company to achieve a successful Moon landing. 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 a GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will design, analyze, and operate the GNC systems of operational launch vehicles. In this role, you will develop GNC and simulation software, perform dynamic analyses, and support mission operations while continuing to build breadth across core GNC competencies. This position offers hands‑on experience with launch vehicle ascent guidance, attitude control systems, and real‑time flight operations in a fast‑paced environment. You will deepen your technical capabilities and refine your desired career trajectory, taking ownership of system elements and software tools as you grow toward a senior GNC role at Firefly.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and validate GNC software to ensure successful launch vehicle mission execution

Tune and configure attitude determination and control algorithms for all phases of launch vehicle flight

Perform 6DOF dynamic analysis of nominal and dispersed ascent trajectories

Develop and maintain simulation models for sensors, actuators, and environmental effects

Create tools to automate workflows, process flight data, and generate technical reports

Conduct stability analysis, sensitivity studies, and hardware-in-the-loop testing of GNC systems under nominal and off‑nominal flight conditions

Interface with cross‑discipline teams to integrate GNC software with vehicle hardware

Serve as a GNC console operator for launch operations and perform post‑flight analysis to improve vehicle models

Author technical documentation and analysis reports that communicate GNC concepts and results to diverse audiences

Build proficiency across core GNC competencies while contributing to continuous improvement of GNC processes and tools

QUALIFICATIONS Required

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field

2-5 years of professional experience in aerospace guidance, navigation, and control, or related technical discipline

Understanding of launch vehicle flight mechanics and attitude dynamics

Familiarity with numerical simulation techniques, integration methods, and modeling of dynamic systems

Experience with Python for scripting, data analysis, and visualization

Familiarity with C++ for real‑time or flight‑critical applications

Understanding of software development best practices including version control (Git), code documentation, and testing

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Advanced degree (master's or PhD) in aerospace engineering or related field with focus on GNC, flight mechanics, or controls

Experience supporting launch vehicle GNC across development, integration, and flight

Proficiency in C++ for embedded systems or real‑time applications

Knowledge of state estimation techniques including Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, and covariance analysis

Knowledge of numerical optimization and targeting methods applied to trajectory design

Familiarity with modern flight software frameworks and real‑time operating systems

Familiarity with CI/CD workflows and automated testing practices

Experience with Linux development environments and command‑line tools

Exposure to spaceflight mission operations or launch campaigns

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

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