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Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior GNC Engineer, Space

Washington, DC · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Lead spacecraft GNC software and hardware subsystems for various spacecraft efforts in all orbital regimes and work closely with bus providers for successful implementation. * Develop modern ...

Senior GNC Engineer, Space

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Lead spacecraft GNC software and hardware subsystems for various spacecraft efforts in all orbital regimes and work closely with bus providers for successful implementation. * Develop modern ...

Senior GNC Engineer

$60 - $100/hr

... Contract) to develop solutions for satellite Guidance, Navigation, and Control system. We're ... Design and implement GNC designs for new spacecraft designs to accommodate a variety of new mission ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Senior GNC Engineer Department: Autonomous Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo ... Develop robust algorithms for spacecraft: satellites in LEO and GEO, large upper stages, and ...

GNC Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

As a GNC Engineer at Cowboy Space, you will design and implement the algorithms that control how our spacecraft orient, navigate, and maneuver in orbit. Your work will directly impact pointing ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $150K/yr

Vast is seeking a Senior GNC Engineer to own guidance, navigation, and control for a new constellation-ready spacecraft bus - a product line designed to scale to hundreds of spacecraft per year. The ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$125 - $155/hr

GNC Engineer Department: Autonomous Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach ... Develop robust algorithms for spacecraft: satellites in LEO and GEO, large upper stages, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer information

See salary details

$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do contract spacecraft gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract spacecraft 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract spacecraft GNC engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Spacecraft GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer, you need strong expertise in aerospace engineering, control systems, and applied mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MATLAB/Simulink), programming languages (like C++ or Python), and experience with spacecraft control systems are essential, along with certifications in aerospace or systems engineering being advantageous. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you excel when collaborating on complex, multi-disciplinary projects. These skills and qualifications ensure precise spacecraft guidance and navigation, mission safety, and successful project delivery in a highly technical and high-stakes environment.

What is the difference between Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer vs Contract Satellite Systems Engineer?

AspectContract Spacecraft Gnc EngineerContract Satellite Systems Engineer
Primary FocusNavigation, Guidance, and Control systems for spacecraftSatellite system design, integration, and performance
Required SkillsControl algorithms, avionics, sensors, actuatorsSatellite subsystems, communication, power systems
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft development, testing facilitiesSatellite manufacturing, ground stations
Industry UsageSpace agencies, aerospace contractorsTelecom, Earth observation, defense

The Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer specializes in navigation, guidance, and control systems essential for spacecraft operation, while the Contract Satellite Systems Engineer focuses on satellite subsystem integration and overall system performance. Both roles require aerospace engineering credentials and work within the satellite and space industry sectors, but their core responsibilities differ in system focus and application.

What does a contract spacecraft GNC engineer do?

A Contract Spacecraft GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and testing the systems that control a spacecraft's orientation and trajectory. They work on short- or long-term contracts to develop algorithms, integrate sensors and actuators, and ensure the spacecraft follows its planned path accurately. Their work is crucial for mission success, as it ensures the spacecraft can maneuver, stabilize, and navigate in space. Contract engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and may be involved in simulation, hardware testing, and troubleshooting throughout the project lifecycle.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a contract spacecraft GNC engineer within project teams?

As a Contract Spacecraft GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer, you’ll typically work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including systems engineers, software developers, and hardware specialists. Collaboration involves regular technical discussions, integration meetings, and design reviews to ensure GNC subsystems align with overall spacecraft requirements. Since the role is often project-based, you may also interact with external vendors and customers. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as priorities and team compositions can shift rapidly throughout the project lifecycle.
More about Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Spacecraft Gnc Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Senior GNC Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries

Washington, DC • On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,130 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
Anduril's Space team is dedicated to expanding our AI-powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We're developing fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested warfighting domain.
ABOUT THE JOB
As a Sr. GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control) Engineer for our Space team, you own the understanding and design of all satellite GNC subsystems to include but not limited to hardware sensors and actuators, orbit mechanics, navigation algorithms, flight software implementation, subsystem integration & test (I&T), and vehicle I&T. The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. The Sr. GNC Engineer will lead algorithm design, truth and physics modeling, simulation and analysis for a wide variety of spacecraft and space missions to include but not limited to LEO, MEO, GEO, Reentry, and RPOD (Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking). The Sr. GNC Engineer will help lead successful implementation, validation and GNC operations of Anduril's fleet of spacecraft.
This role is directly tied to ongoing, funded programs within Anduril's Space Business Line. The programs require building and fielding a resilient, software-defined spacecraft systems across numerous mission threads. We work with mission partners and customers to deploy reliable and robust capabilities on operationally-relevant fielding timelines to meet complex challenges across the DOD and IC.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead spacecraft GNC software and hardware subsystems for various spacecraft efforts in all orbital regimes and work closely with bus providers for successful implementation.
  • Develop modern, software-defined approaches to autonomous spacecraft operations with maneuvering capabilities to successfully accomplish mission objectives.
  • Develop appropriate test plans and procedures to validate the GNC system during ground checkout, on-orbit commissioning and operations.
  • Collaborate across multiple teams to plan, build, and test complex functionality.
  • Coordinate with end-users, other operators and customers to turn needs into features while balancing user experience with engineering constraints.
  • Support challenging schedules during ground testing, launch windows and on-orbit operations of the spacecraft systems.
  • Directly interact with customers to ensure mission success.
  • Design of flight software, algorithms, and simulation products.
  • Development of spacecraft autonomy tools for dynamic space operations
  • Test process development and execution.
  • Define automated fault detection and responses.
  • Provide hardware-in-the-loop and monte-carlo simulation capabilities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Strong engineering background from industry or school, ideally in areas/fields such as Astrodynamics, Aerospace Engineering, Dynamics and Controls Engineering, Computer Science, or other engineering degree.
  • Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C++, Go, and/or Linux Systems.
  • Experience conducting spacecraft operations and satellite command and control with an emphasis on system reliability and uptime.
  • Ability to quickly understand and navigate complex systems and detailed requirements.
  • Experience with orbital mechanics and resident space object tracking capabilities.
  • Experience developing 3-DOF simplified and 6-DOF high-fidelity dynamics simulation models used for GNC systems analysis and validation.
  • Familiarity with rendezvous proximity operations and docking, orbital mechanics with propulsive spacecraft, spacecraft attitude determination and controls.
  • Strong knowledge of spacecraft dynamics, orbital mechanics, and control theory.
  • Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • A desire to work on critical software and hardware designs in the space domain.
  • Experience testing propulsion subsystems in laboratory environments that mimic the space environmental constraints.
  • Experience with testing/validation leveraging FlatSats, Hardware-in-the-Loop testbeds and digital spacecraft simulators through nominal and fault scenarios.
  • Experience with computer vision and perception algorithms to support GNC operations.
  • Exposure to US satellite operations policy and constraints for relevant mission threads in all orbits.

US Salary Range
$191,000-$253,000 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.

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

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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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