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Gnc Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

General Overview APEX TK is looking for an amazingly talented Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer to join our team! In this role you will provide technical and advisory assistance to Targets Program ...

Engineer VI

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$116K - $208K/yr

Leads and mentors teams of Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) engineers on complex development efforts. * Supports simulation development and documentation using GA-EMS guidelines and best ...

Showing results 41-60

Gnc Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$38.1K

$98.5K

$149.6K

How much do gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for gnc engineer in Alabama is $98,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the GNC engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a GNC Engineer, you need a solid background in control systems, dynamics, navigation algorithms, and aerospace engineering, often complemented by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, and experience with sensor integration or real-time embedded systems are highly valued, along with certifications like EIT or PE being beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication skills help you excel in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments. These competencies are critical for designing and optimizing guidance, navigation, and control systems that ensure mission success and safety in aerospace projects.

What is a GNC engineer?

A GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer is responsible for developing algorithms and systems that enable vehicles, such as spacecraft, aircraft, or autonomous robots, to navigate and control their movement accurately. They design control systems, work with sensors and actuators, and develop software for real-time decision-making. GNC engineers use techniques from control theory, signal processing, and machine learning to ensure precision and stability in dynamic environments. Their work is crucial for missions requiring autonomous operation, such as space exploration, missile guidance, and drone navigation.

What are typical day-to-day responsibilities for a GNC engineer?

As a GNC Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include designing and refining algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control; running simulations to test system performance; and analyzing flight data to troubleshoot and optimize system behavior. You may work closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and systems engineers to integrate your solutions into larger aerospace platforms such as rockets, satellites, or UAVs. Collaboration through team meetings, design reviews, and documentation is routine, and you may occasionally participate in field tests or flight demonstrations. Staying organized and adaptive is key, as priorities can shift quickly depending on project timelines and technical challenges.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gnc Engineer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Gnc Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Gnc Engineer jobs in Alabama? For Gnc Engineer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Gnc Engineer jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Gnc Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Gnc Engineer job openings in Alabama 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 $98,468 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Principal GNC & Trajectory Engineer

Canvas

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Canvas is looking for a talentedPrincipal GNC & Trajectory Engineerto join our team! In this role you will provide technical and advisory assistance to Targets Program Office by aiding in the refinement and implementation of Target trajectories in support of the agencies flight test events to validate the weapon and system sensors.

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Directorate for Test (DT) Targets program office with development of missile defense target vehicles
  • Support the Targets System Engineering team in all aspects of target design, analysis, and test to include requirements development and assessment, modeling and simulation, test analysis and reporting
  • Utilize knowledge, skills and experience with missile characteristics (physical, kinematics, signatures) and engineering to support engineering activities and data product development
  • Technical focus areas include Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), Modeling and Simulation (M&S), and vehicle performance assessments
  • Generate and analyze target vehicle 6-DoF and 3-DoF trajectory data using industry standard (e.g., TAOS) and in-house developed (e.g., MATLAB, Python, C++) tools
  • Support flight test analysis and reporting to include analyzing vehicle onboard instrumentation data and generating trajectory reconstruction
  • Collaborate with a dynamic team of experts in multiple technical areas to develop analysis and engineering tools

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • Master's degree in STEM field (e.g., physics, engineering, math.).
  • 12+ years working on missile defense-related or other DoD programs/projects
  • Note: Bachelor's degree in STEM field with 7+ years of relevant experience may be considered
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance, which requires US Citizenship
  • Strong understanding of principles of aerodynamics; equations of motion; coordinate systems; vehicle dynamics; guidance, navigation, and control; etc.
  • Experience with missile trajectory analysis to include working in different coordinate frames, endo- and exo-atmospheric behaviors, and identifying key trajectory parameters
  • Knowledge of satellite orbital mechanics, ephemeris, orbit propagation, perturbations, determination, and maneuver planning
  • Proficiency with MATLAB, Python, Java, C#, and other programming languages
  • Skilled in use of modeling and simulationtools (e.g., TAOS, STK)
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

  • Familiarity with MDA and/or DoD programs and processes
  • Experience in any or all of the following disciplines: Design, CAD, Trajectory, Radar Cross Section (RCS) Signatures, Optical Signatures
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to efficiently perform multiple tasks
  • Ability to communicate detailed technical information to technical and non-technical personnel

Clearance Required

Secret