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Gnc Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrolab

Principal GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

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 ...

Long Wall

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 ...

SpaceX

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 ...

Impulse Space

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 ...

SpaceX

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 ...

Benchmark Space Systems

Senior GNC Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

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 ...

Apex

Senior Spacecraft GNC Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$152K - $209K/yr

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 ...

Astrolab

Principal GNC Engineer

Hawthorne, CA

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 ...

Stratolaunch

GNC Engineer

Mojave, CA · On-site

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 ...

Long Wall

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 ...

Astra Space, Inc.

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 ...

Approach Venture LLC

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 ...

Anduril Industries

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 ...

Approach Venture

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 ...

Anduril Industries

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 ...

Vast

Senior GNC Engineer

Long Beach, CA

$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 ...

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All JobsGnc Engineer JobsGnc Engineer Jobs in California

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 6, 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:
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Gnc Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gnc Engineer job openings in California 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 $107,216 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Principal GNC Engineer

Astrolab

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$180K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description
Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.   
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 across guidance, navigation, control, and perception while managing and mentoring a high-performing engineering team.  
 
This role combines deep technical leadership with people leadership. You will set system vision, make critical design decisions, drive execution, and ensure autonomy systems perform reliably on flight-ready vehicles operating on the lunar surface.  

What you'll do:
  • Lead the design, verification, validation, testing, and characterization of GNC and perception systems for manual, semi-autonomous, and autonomous rover operations in a fast-moving, schedule-constrained development environment. 
  • Define GNC and perception technical direction and system architecture with inputs from stakeholders across GNC, avionics, and software
  • Manage and mentor a team of GNC and perception engineers 
  • Work with avionics responsible engineers to select, test, characterize, and calibrate GNC and perception sensors 
  • Work closely with the simulation and software teams to prototype and analyze GNC algorithms in the vehicle simulation and software test environment 
  • Work closely with the flight software team to support implementation and testing of GNC and perception flight software 
  • Define and oversee testing and validation of the integrated GNC solution on a variety of simulation and test platforms in lab and analog environments 
  • Ensure the GNC and perception system design, implementation, and testing are closely coordinated with affected stakeholders such as vehicle engineering (for sensor and lighting placement), avionics, software, and mission operations team 
  • Ensure the GNC and perception system design and implementation meet all applicable safety, reliability, and fault tolerance  requirements  
  • Balance performance, risk, and embedded compute constraints  
  • Ensure that rover GNC and perception systems support the required tele-operated, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous vehicle operations  
  • Ensure the GNC team provides support during rover operations on the lunar surface 

What you'll bring:
  •  Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field
  •  Experience developing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), perception, or autonomy systems for autonomous vehicles or robotic platforms 
  •  Experience developing GNC software using C++ 
  •  Experience leading engineering teams and delivering complex technical programs 
  •  Experience supporting the full product development lifecycle, including system architecture, implementation, integration, testing, and operations 
  •  Experience developing perception, navigation, or autonomy software, including sensor integration, localization, navigation, or path planning 
  •  Experience designing and executing verification and validation testing for autonomy or navigation systems 
  •  Strong written and verbal communication skills 
  •  Master's degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field 
  •  10+ years of experience developing guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), perception, and autonomy systems 
  •  Experience developing GNC, perception, or autonomy systems for space vehicles, extraterrestrial rovers, or other aerospace applications 
  •  Experience developing embedded autonomy, perception, or navigation software for compute- or power-constrained systems 
  •  Experience with image processing, multi-sensor odometry, terrain-relative navigation, pose estimation, hazard detection, terrain mapping, or route planning 
  •  Experience designing and executing simulation, laboratory, field, or analog test campaigns, including statistical analysis methods such as Monte Carlo 
  •  Experience implementing and testing GNC or perception software on flight hardware or embedded platforms 
  •  Experience supporting programs that follow NASA or other aerospace mission assurance standards

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