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Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time ... Development of aerodynamics, mass properties, propulsion, guidance, navigation and control inputs ...

Overview Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel Job Location: Dahlgren, Virginia Job Status: Full Time ... Development of aerodynamics, mass properties, propulsion, guidance, navigation and control inputs ...

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Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, control systems, and mathematics, usually supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree. Proficiency in simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, programming languages such as C/C++, and experience with navigation sensors or real-time embedded systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for developing reliable guidance and navigation solutions that ensure the safety and performance of aerospace systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineers during multidisciplinary project collaboration?

Associate Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineers often work closely with teams in software, hardware, and systems engineering. A common challenge is ensuring that the guidance and navigation algorithms are compatible with various hardware platforms and meet system-level requirements. Balancing the needs and feedback from different disciplines, while adhering to project timelines, can require strong communication and adaptability. Proactively engaging in design reviews and cross-team meetings helps minimize misunderstandings and leads to more integrated solutions.

What are Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineers?

Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineers are early-career professionals who support the design, development, testing, and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems for aerospace vehicles such as rockets, satellites, or aircraft. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with the modeling and simulation of flight dynamics, developing control algorithms, and analyzing sensor data to ensure accurate guidance and stability. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team and use specialized software tools to solve complex technical challenges. This role is ideal for those with a background in aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering and a strong interest in flight systems.

What is the difference between Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer vs Guidance Navigation Control Engineer?

AspectAssociate Guidance Navigation Control EngineerGuidance Navigation Control Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some roles may require internship experienceBachelor's or master's degree; more experience may be preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level position, often in aerospace or defense companies, working under supervisionMid-level role with increased responsibilities, often leading projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in aerospace, defense, and space industriesUsed in similar industries, with more complex project involvement

The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level. Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting tasks, while Guidance Navigation Control Engineers have more experience and handle complex projects independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 75% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer - Lead

SET Development

Broadlands, VA • On-site, Remote

$106.50K - $146.20K/yr

Contractor

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer - Lead
Long-Term Contract | Fully Remote (U.S.)
Company
SET Development, LLC
SET Development is a premier aerospace engineering and consulting firm providing deep technical expertise across spacecraft systems, software, avionics, mission operations, and advanced space technologies. Our engineers support both commercial and government space programs, emphasizing technical excellence, collaboration, and long-term mission success.
Position Overview
SET Development is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer (Lead) to support spacecraft and satellite programs through full lifecycle GNC development. This role is a long-term independent contractor position, fully remote within the United States, with limited travel (up to 15%) as program needs require.
The Senior GNC Engineer will serve as a technical lead, contributing to system architecture, analysis, simulation, verification, and integration of spacecraft GNC solutions across multiple missions or platforms.
Key Responsibilities
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering
  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of GNC architectures for spacecraft and satellite systems.
  • Develop and analyze GNC algorithms for attitude determination, control, and navigation.
  • Model and evaluate spacecraft sensors and actuators.
  • Support GNC flight software development, integration, and verification.
  • Develop and support mission concepts of operations (CONOPS) and mission planning activities.
  • Participate in subsystem-level requirements development and flow-down, with attention to technical performance, manufacturability, and testability.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, hardware, AI&T, and mission operations teams.
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple programs or mission phases as required.
Simulation, Modeling & Analysis
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity GNC simulations, including spacecraft dynamics and space environment models.
  • Support Monte Carlo analysis and performance trade studies.
  • Develop and validate software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments.
  • Support real-time and non-real-time simulation frameworks for verification and validation activities.
Additional Engineering Support
  • Contribute to the evolution and sustainment of SET Development's spacecraft GNC capabilities and engineering practices.
  • Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and technical documentation as required.
Required Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Experience
  • Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in guidance, navigation, and control system analysis, design, and verification for spacecraft or satellite systems.
  • Demonstrated experience across multiple phases of the spacecraft development lifecycle.
Technical Skills
  • Advanced proficiency in MATLAB / Simulink, including simulation-based design and analysis.
  • Experience with automatic code generation and model-based testing.
  • Proficiency using Systems Tool Kit (STK) for mission analysis and visualization.
  • Strong experience modeling spacecraft dynamics, sensors, actuators, and control algorithms.
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices (SysML/UML).
  • Experience with software development, verification, and validation processes.
  • Working knowledge of object-oriented programming (e.g., C, C++) and scripting languages such as Python.
Work Location & Travel
  • Fully remote within the United States.
  • Up to 15% travel may be required to customer sites, partner facilities, or integration/test locations.
Employment Classification
  • Independent Contractor (long-term engagement).
  • This position does not include employee benefits, relocation assistance, or visa sponsorship.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • U.S. citizenship may be required for certain programs or customer requirements.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
  • Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation.
  • Ability to participate in virtual meetings and teleconferences.
  • Ability to travel domestically as required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
SET Development, LLC is an Equal Opportunity organization. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.