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Gnc Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site +1

$130K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GNC Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Compensation: $130,000 - $225,000 / year Description Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company.

Senior GNC Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $213/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a GNC Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, development, and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control systems for our satellite missions. You will work closely with the ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $213/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a GNC Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, development, and implementation of guidance, navigation, and control systems for our satellite missions. You will work closely with the ...

GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role As a GNC Engineer, you will enable us to predict the in-orbit performance of a novel space vehicle. Your work will span from vehicle-level dynamics modeling, to propagated orbital ...

The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. The GNC Engineer will work algorithm design, truth and ...

Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We are seeking a seasoned Spacecraft GNC Engineer to work on a closely integrated team who will drive the design of the GNC system, including hardware and software, to meet the ...

Develop models required to support functional evaluation of GNC software REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering ...

Principal GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal GNC Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Denise Brown Compensation: $180,000 - $235,000 / year Description ...

GNC Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GNC Engineer Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of ...

Principal GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$180 - $235/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal GNC Engineer Department: Software Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: Hawthorne, California Reporting To: Denise Brown Compensation: $180,000 - $235,000 / year Description ...

The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. The GNC Engineer will work algorithm design, truth and ...

Senior GNC Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Senior GNC Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting direct-hire Senior GNC Engineer opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Design and develop guidance, navigation, and control ...

The GNC engineering team will work closely with related teams, including Systems, Flight Software, Mission Operations, and Ground Software. The GNC Engineer will work algorithm design, truth and ...

GNC Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$96K - $118K/yr

GNC ENGINEER II - MISSION FORMULATION Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the GNC Engineer II-Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Benchmark Space Systems, a leader in small satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services, is looking for an experienced Senior GNC Engineer to join our team. In this role you will focus ...

About the Role Muon seeks a talented Spacecraft Attitude Control System (ACS) AKA Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) engineer specializing in attitude control design to join our team. The ideal ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Benchmark Space Systems, a leader in small satellite propulsion systems and in-space mobility services, is looking for an experienced Senior GNC Engineer to join our team. In this role you will focus ...

Spacecraft GNC Engineer (Early)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We are seeking a Spacecraft GNC Engineer (Early) to work on a closely integrated team who will drive the design of the GNC system, including hardware and software, to meet the position ...

GNC Engineer II

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$96K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

GNC ENGINEER II - MISSION FORMULATION Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the GNC Engineer II-Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC ...

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Showing results 1-20

Gnc Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$107.2K

$162.8K

How much do gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for gnc engineer in California is $107,216.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,300.00 and $130,800.00 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 California? The most popular types of Gnc Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Gnc Engineer jobs in California? For Gnc Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Gnc Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Gnc Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Gnc Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,216 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

GNC Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site, Remote

$130K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

GNC Engineer
Department: Software Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Hawthorne, California
Compensation: $130,000 - $225,000 / year
Description
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on - rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
As a GNC engineer at Astrolab, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithms for our lunar rover fleet. You will support development and maturation of GNC for crewed, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous rover operations. GNC engineers own hardware selection and characterization, algorithm development and tuning, algorithm and integrated performance analysis, and verification and validation for the GNC subsystem. You will work with simulated environment as well as test vehicles to design, mature, and prove GNC functionality and performance.
Note: Some travel may be required for this position
What you'll do:
  • Define GNC subsystem and algorithm requirements
  • Design, analyze, develop, tune, verify, and validate rover GNC algorithms and support conversion of algorithm prototypes into FSW
  • Contribute to the development of the GNC simulation
  • Work with avionics and other engineering teams to select GNC sensors such as IMUs, star trackers, cameras, LiDARs, etc.
  • Support GNC sensor characterization, calibration, and testing
  • Support development of integrated hardware/software GNC subsystem testbeds
  • Develop GNC algorithm documentation and work with vehicle software team to convert prototypes into flight code, including supporting unit and integrated testing of flight implementations
  • Work with vehicle software team, avionics team, mobility team, and integration and test team to verify GNC subsystem implementation and performance
  • Support field testing of GNC software using test vehicles in a variety of lighting and terrain conditions
  • Develop GNC analysis and test plans and perform GNC analysis and testing on hardware in the loop testbeds
  • Support vehicle integration and testing of GNC functions
  • Develop vehicle level calibration plans and support vehicle level calibrations

What you'll bring:
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 3+ years of professional experience developing Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems
  • Experience with Python and familiarity with C++

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing, tuning, and testing Extended Kalman Filters for vehicle state estimation.
  • Experience designing, tuning, and testing vehicle control algorithms (e.g., high-gain antenna pointing)
  • Experience building, testing, and validating GNC simulation tools
  • Experience performing GNC performance analysis, including Monte Carlo analysis
  • Experience supporting GNC development from initial concept through flight operations
  • Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams to mature GNC designs into flight software
  • Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills

Benefits and Perks
  • Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
  • Equity ownership in the company
  • Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Flexible PTO and parental leave
  • Home office set up reimbursement
  • Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
  • Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks