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Gnc Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

As the Principal GNC Engineer, you will own the GNC systems that enable Astrolab's rovers to operate safely and effectively in extreme environments. You will lead technical strategy and execution ...

GNC Engineer As a GNC Engineer at Castelion, you will build the algorithms, models, and software that make our vehicles fly. You will work across guidance, navigation, flight controls, and high ...

Sr. GNC Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$155K - $226K/yr

The best engineers, corporate professionals, and technicians make their teammates better. Knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success. Sr. GNC Engineer As ...

To help achieve these efforts, Stratolaunch is seeking a Sr- or Staff-level GNC Engineer to participate in the development of hypersonic flight control systems. You will contribute to the design ...

Sr. GNC Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$155K - $226K/yr

The best engineers make their teammates better, knowing that complementary skills create force multiplication and drive mission success. Sr. GNC Engineer As a Senior GNC Engineer, you will help ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Senior GNC Engineer Department: Autonomous Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location: Redondo Beach Compensation: $145,000 - $175,000 / year Description As a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and ...

GNC Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

The Opportunity As a Senior GNC Engineer , you will be part of the small team that develops the control, estimation, and guidance algorithms that fly our rockets. You'll be deeply involved in all ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Senior GNC Engineer - Lead Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Mission Design Los Angeles, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary Join a fast-growing aerospace startup developing next-generation spacecraft ...

About the Role We are seeking a seasoned Senior 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 ...

GNC Engineer (Starfall)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

GNC ENGINEER (STARFALL) SpaceX is looking for engineers with backgrounds in orbital mechanics, control theory, state estimation, spacecraft systems design, atmospheric entry, optimization, and ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Senior GNC Engineer - Lead Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Mission Design Los Angeles, CA | On-site Opportunity Summary Join a fast-growing aerospace startup developing next-generation spacecraft ...

Senior GNC Engineer, Space

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

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 ...

Gnc Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$100K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to architect, implement, and validate flight-critical algorithms supporting autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations (RPO ...

Senior GNC Engineer, Space

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

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 ...

The Role Mach Industries is seeking a Principal GNC Engineer to define, develop, and flight-prove the GNC architecture for autonomous aircraft and related defense platforms. You will own system-level ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Gnc Engineer information

See California salary details

$41.5K

$107.2K

$162.8K

How much do gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% 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 (All Levels)

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job 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
  • 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  
Basic Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related 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 developing path planning, obstacle avoidance, or similar algorithms 
  • 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
  • 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