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Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

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Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$44.5K

$88.7K

$141.7K

How much do associate guidance navigation control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate guidance navigation control engineer in Irvine, CA is $88,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,300.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Irvine, CA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA 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 Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,701 per year, or $42.6 per hour.

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer 3

The Structures Company

Seal Beach, CA • On-site

$80/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Designs, implements, and verifies guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re‑entry vehicles, and airborne platforms.

  • Develops and maintains 6‑DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.

  • Implements and validates GN&C flight software using MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes, and integrates with testbeds and avionics.

Job description

JOB TITLE: Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer 3
LOCATION: Seal Beach, CA
PAY RATE: $80.50/hour

We are a national aerospace and defense staffing agency seeking highly qualified candidates for a position with a top-tier client.

Job Details:

  • Job Type: Contract (12 months with potential for extension)

  • Clearance: Active Top Secret Security Clearance required to start

  • Industry: Aerospace / Defense / Aviation

  • Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision (Cigna)

  • Perks: Bonus potential + Priority access via Tier 1 supplier

  • Openings Nationwide: Thousands of opportunities across the U.S.

  • Shift: 1st shift.

Qualifying Questions:

  • Are you a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance?

  • Do you meet the educational and experience requirements for this role?

  • Can you commute to the job location or relocate if necessary?

Summary: 

  • Designs, implements, and verifies guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re‑entry vehicles, and hypersonic or airborne platforms.

  • Develops and maintains 6‑DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.

  • Implements and validates GN&C flight software using MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes, and integrates with testbeds and avionics.

  • Applies astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.

  • Applies aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls knowledge to re‑entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions.

  • Develops powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on‑orbit and atmospheric operations.

  • Troubleshoots operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents.

  • Produces concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test.

  • Collaborates with cross‑functional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, business development) and communicates technical tradeoffs.

  • Identifies inefficiencies, proposes solutions, and implements reusable tools and automations.

Requirements:

  • Active Top Secret Security Clearance required to start.

  • Must be a U.S. Person (as defined by ITAR).

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or non‑US equivalent directly related to the work statement.

  • 5+ years of related work experience (PhD, Master’s +3 or more years, or equivalent combination).

  • Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform, or similar vehicles.

  • Proficiency with MATLAB and Simulink for model‑based development.

  • Proficiency developing GN&C algorithms, models, and simulations.

  • Experience developing with C, C++, Python, or C#.

  • Preferred: Degree in aerospace or aeronautical engineering.

  • Preferred: Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects, hypersonic re‑entry GN&C, state estimation/sensor fusion (Kalman filters), GPS/INS, air data systems, classical/modern control theory, nonlinear control, model‑based development, flight test support, and prior work on space or hypersonic programs.

About Us:

The Structures Company is a premier national aerospace and defense staffing agency specializing in contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire placements. We deliver expert workforce solutions across engineering, IT, production, maintenance, and support roles.

As trusted partners to leading aerospace and defense OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, we connect professionals with career opportunities to grow and excel in aviation, aerospace, and defense.

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) to comply with ITAR regulations.

Keywords: aerospace, aviation, engineering, maintenance, aircraft design, defense

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