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Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer information

What is an associate guidance navigation control engineer?

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 popular job titles related to Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer job openings:

Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Who We're Looking For
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
We are seeking a Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to develop the algorithms, analyses, and flight capabilities that enable our spacecraft to navigate, maneuver, and operate autonomously across a diverse range of space missions In this role, you will own GNC subsystem development throughout the spacecraft lifecycle, including mission analysis, modeling and simulation, guidance, navigation, and control algorithm development, flight software integration, hardware integration and test, verification and validation, and on-orbit mission support The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building next-generation space systems that support mission success.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Develop high-fidelity spacecraft dynamics and GNC simulation environments to support analysis, verification, and mission design.
  • Implement and tune control laws for attitude control, momentum management, orbit maneuvering, RPO, and station-keeping.
  • Perform state estimation design and analysis (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion, GPS/IMU, star tracker & sun sensor pipelines).
  • Support integration of GNC algorithms into flight software, including validation through unit test, SIL/HIL, and full-vehicle simulation.
  • Collaborate with avionics and sensor teams to define GNC-related ICDs, data flows, timing, and performance budgets.
  • Analyze both on-orbit and testbed telemetry to evaluate GNC performance and inform updates to algorithms and configuration.
  • Develop tools that improve autonomous maneuver planning, control margin analysis, and attitude/orbit estimation accuracy.
  • Support safe-mode and fault management logic development in partnership with FSW and systems engineering.
  • Work with the systems team to specify hardware components based on system requirements, and coordinate with vendors to acquire hardware that meet program cost and schedule targets.
  • Develop and execute GNC hardware acceptance and performance test plans and procedures.
  • Participate in MCR/PDR/CDR, test readiness reviews, and support operations during early-orbit commissioning when needed.
  • Contribute to rapid iteration cycles that refine autonomy and maneuverability across successive spacecraft builds.

What It Takes
  • B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
  • 3-8+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability GNC development.
  • Strong foundation in rigid-body dynamics, orbital mechanics, and classical/modern control theory.
  • Experience implementing estimation and control algorithms in C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS, ranging sensors).
  • Familiarity with flight software integration, SIL/HIL testing, and simulation pipelines.
  • Ability to analyze telemetry, validate performance, and debug GNC-related anomalies.
  • Systems-level awareness across avionics, software, and dynamics.
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • Experience with RPO, proximity operations, autonomous maneuver planning, or high-ΔV vehicle dynamics.
  • Familiarity with MAX FSW and MAX GDS or other modern COTS flight software environments.
  • Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and large-scale mission simulation.
  • Experience with EKF variants, covariance analysis, or nonlinear control approaches.
  • Background with thruster-based ACS, high-agility control architectures, or propulsion-coupled dynamics.
  • Experience analyzing 6DOF models incorporating propellant slosh and flexible-body dynamics.
  • Hands-on experience with testbeds, HITL environments, or closed-loop simulation frameworks.
  • Experience with fault management logic, safing modes, and on-orbit anomaly investigation.
  • Prior experience working in fast-paced startups or NewSpace organizations. '

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Build and validate the GNC capability that defines how our spacecraft maneuver, point, and operate autonomously.
  • Innovation - Shape next-generation GNC architectures, algorithms, and tools for high-agility missions.
  • Impact - Directly influence spacecraft controllability, autonomy, and mission success across cislunar and GEO operations.
  • Growth - Collaborate across avionics, FSW, systems, and mission ops, with opportunities to expand into dynamics modeling, autonomy, or flight operations.
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Location: Rockville, MD
Base Salary: $130,000 - $180,000
The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

Apply