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Aerospace Gnc Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GNC Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

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

GNC ENGINEER, ADCS (STARLINK) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, aerospace, physics or an engineering discipline * Software ...

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables ... SUMMARY As a Principal GNC Engineer at Firefly, you will serve as a technical authority on launch ...

GNC Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field * 2 - 4 years of relevant GNC Engineering experience in the aerospace and defense industry * Coursework ...

GNC Engineer III

Denver, CO · On-site

$115K - $190K/yr

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field * 5 - 7 years of relevant GNC Engineering experience in the aerospace and defense industry * Coursework ...

Senior GNC Engineer

San Carlos, CA · 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 ...

The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software ... Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Aerospace ...

The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software ... Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Aerospace ...

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Aerospace Gnc Engineer information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do aerospace gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace GNC Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are Aerospace GNC Engineers?

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 are some typical challenges 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.
Infographic showing various Aerospace Gnc Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
GNC Engineer

$166K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company with a mission to transform U.S. and allied military capabilities with advanced technology. By bringing the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century's most innovative companies to the defense industry, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Anduril's family of systems is powered by Lattice OS, an AI-powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a realtime, 3D command and control center. As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril is committed to bringing cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The Tactical Recon and Strike team at Anduril develops aerial small drones (Group 1-3) and all equipment to test, deploy and operate. The team is responsible for taking products like Ghost, Anvil, Bolt and Altius from paper sketches to operational systems. We work in close coordination with specialist teams to solve some of the hardest problems facing our customers. We are looking for software engineers, hardware engineers, roboticists, and front-end mobile developers who are excited about creating a powerful robotics platform that can be tasked and viewed in real-time through a variety of interfaces.
The guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) team within TRS performs implementation, analysis, test, and validation for GNC software solutions supporting our autonomous drone fleet. Applications include attitude and position control, waypoint and terminal guidance engagements, and navigating contested environments including communication and GPS denied environments.
ABOUT THE JOB
This role will be responsible for guidance and control law development and validation, hardware and software in-the-loop test and analysis, and cutting edge navigation solutions supporting the entire range of drones within TRS.
This position will be on-site at our headquarters in Costa Mesa, CA (relocation benefits provided.)
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Develop, debug, and test flight controllers and guidance algorithms
  • Develop and test Software-In-The-Loop and Hardware-In-The-Loop tests in preparation for flight testing
  • Work closely with the flight software team to define requirements, integrate GNC software and test functionality in simulation
  • Review test data captured from the flight control system, subsystems, and other test instrumentation to verify vehicle performance, evaluate GNC algorithm/controller behavior, or debug incidents during testing or from fielded assets
  • Develop models required to support functional evaluation of GNC software
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
  • 4 years professional experience in a GNC role, preferably on airborne platforms
  • Experience with Matlab and Simulink
  • Experience in modeling and simulation of linear and nonlinear dynamic systems and model linearization
  • A passion for defending the Unites States of America and its allies
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Master's Degree of PhD in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on dynamic systems and control
  • Experience with state estimation - Kalman filtering, sensor fusion, etc.
  • Experience with integrating and debugging navigation systems for aerial platforms
  • Experience with flight control design and analysis for fixed and rotary wing aircraft or missile systems
  • Experience with guidance algorithm development
  • C/C++ Proficiency
  • Experience with Simulink Embedded Coder

US Salary Range
$166,000-$220,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
Benefits
At Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
Protecting Yourself from Recruitment Scams
Anduril is committed to maintaining the integrity of our Talent acquisition process and the security of our candidates. We've observed a rise in sophisticated phishing and fraudulent schemes where individuals impersonate Anduril representatives, luring job seekers with false interviews or job offers. These scammers often attempt to extract payment or sensitive personal information.
To ensure your safety and help you navigate your job search with confidence, please keep the following critical points in mind:
  • No Financial Requests: Anduril will never solicit payment or demand personal financial details (such as banking information, credit card numbers, or social security numbers) at any stage of our hiring process. Our legitimate recruitment is entirely free for candidates.
  • Please always verify communications:
    • Direct from Anduril: If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, it will only come from an @anduril.com address.
    • Via Agency Partner: If contacted by a recruiting agency for an Anduril role, their email will clearly identify their agency. If you suspect any suspicious activity, please verify the agency's authenticity by reaching out to contact@anduril.com.
  • Exercise Caution with Unsolicited Outreach: If you receive any communication that appears suspicious, contains grammatical errors, or makes unusual requests, do not engage. Always confirm the sender's email domain is @anduril.com before providing any personal information or clicking on links.
  • What to Do If You Suspect Fraud: Should you encounter any questionable or fraudulent outreach claiming to be from Anduril, please report it immediately to contact@anduril.com. Your proactive caution is invaluable in protecting your personal information and upholding the security and trustworthiness of our recruitment efforts.

Data Privacy
To view Anduril's candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://anduril.com/applicant-privacy-notice/.
By submitting your application, you consent to Anduril Industries using a third-party service provider to conduct pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening and assessing potential risks as part of your application process. This third-party service provider provides risk-intelligence services that may include analysis of sanctions and watchlists, adverse media, public-record information, and other lawful open-source or commercial data sources. This third-party service provider does not act as a consumer reporting agency. Use of this provider helps to ensure compliance with applicable laws and protect technology, intellectual property, and organizational security.

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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