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Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Astrion

Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel

Dahlgren, VA

$110K - $180K/yr

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

Astrion

Aerospace Engineer - Midlevel

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$110K - $180K/yr

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 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 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 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:
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Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 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.
Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineering Analyst - Level 2 or 3

Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineering Analyst - Level 2 or 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineering Analyst - Level 2 or 3 located in either Dulles, VA, Redondo Beach, CA, or Gilbert, AZ locations, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.
The GNC team designs, builds, and tests spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques
  • Design and analyze relative guidance solutions for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO)
  • Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g. Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation
  • Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools
  • Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, attitude and position guidance, rendezvous, proximity operations and docking analyses, and predicted performance assessments
  • Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g. star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g. reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g. rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models, propellant slosh), and the space environment (e.g. atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential)
  • Communication is a key element of your role and all GNC engineers are expected to:
  • Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals
  • Document designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials
  • Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
  • Work well within small- to medium-sized groups
  • Other duties as assigned

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 2 or Level 3.
Basic Qualifications for Level 2:
  • Bachelor's degree with 2 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 0 years of professional experience
    • Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret with SCI [TS/SCI] security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
  • Experience developing software in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++
  • Experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystem design, analysis, and testing; can include Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS)

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of professional experience
    • Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret with SCI [TS/SCI] security clearance at time of application, current and within scope
  • Experience developing software in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++
  • Experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystem design, analysis, and testing; can include Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in engineering, physics, or math
  • Experience with version control tools such as SVN or Git
  • Experience implementing spacecraft GNC algorithms on embedded systems
  • Strong technical fundamentals in the areas of spacecraft attitude and orbit dynamics, navigation filtering and/or control systems design
  • Experience with on-orbit space vehicle operations, commanding, debugging, and use of flight telemetry to track performance metrics
  • Experience with Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) algorithms, practices and planning strategies
  • Experience with performing spacecraft GNC design, analysis, Hardware (HW) and Integration & Test (I&T), or flight operations.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities are desired

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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