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Gnc Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

... GNC Engineer to design, implement, and validate the flight-critical guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) software that flies our reusable spacecraft platforms. This is a hands-on role where your ...

Sr. GNC Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$140K - $250K/yr

Mentor junior engineers, lead design/code reviews, and help establish GNC best practices, tools, and development standards QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical ...

Staff GNC Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$165K - $290K/yr

Mentor junior engineers, lead design/code reviews, and help establish GNC best practices, tools, and development standards QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical ...

GNC Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

Define system- and subsystem-level GNC requirements, interfaces, and verification plans in collaboration with systems engineering. * Work cross-functionally with avionics, propulsion, software ...

Principal GNC Engineer

Louisville, CO · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

Principal GNC Engineer Department: Autonomous Systems Employment Type: Full Time Location: Boulder County Compensation: $170,000 - $200,000 / year Description As a Principal Guidance, Navigation, and ...

GNC Engineer III

Denver, CO · On-site

$115K - $190K/yr

Define system- and subsystem-level GNC requirements, interfaces, and verification plans in collaboration with systems engineering. * Work cross-functionally with avionics, propulsion, software ...

Principal GNC Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$180K - $305K/yr

Mentor junior engineers, lead design/code reviews, and help establish GNC best practices, tools, and development standards QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical ...

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Gnc Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$44.2K

$114.2K

$173.5K

How much do gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for gnc engineer in Colorado is $114,235.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,100.00 and $139,300.00 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 job?

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 Colorado? The most popular types of Gnc Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Gnc Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Gnc Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Gnc Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,235 per year, or $54.9 per hour.
GNC Engineer II/ Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation

GNC Engineer II/ Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab Corporation

Littleton, CO

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

GNC ENGINEER II/ SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I - MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab's site in Littleton, CO, the GNC Engineer II/ Senior GNC Engineer I - Mission Formulation is responsible for Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) design, modeling, analyses, and testing for Rocket Lab launches and missions. You'll play an integral part of Rocket Lab's Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team, which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. 

As part of the Mission Formulation team, you'll be responsible for conducting trades studies, preliminary and final mission analyses, and definition and implementation of detailed designs for Rocket Lab's launch programs. This team is also primarily responsible for the formulation and implementation of launches and missions for classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles. 

Success in this position will be measured by the value of the knowledge and experience in launch vehicle design and mission experience that you bring into this role, your ability to contribute to projects without supervision, successful collaboration with other teams across Rocket Lab, and the skillful prioritization of competing engineering projects across the group. 

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • GNC contact to Business Development for proposals and mission definition 
  • Launch and mission operational concept development 
  • Orbital and suborbital trajectory design and analysis 
  • Work with external stakeholders and customers for mission-specific requirements engineering 
  • Document proposed GNC solutions and participate in design reviews with customers 
  • Support hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing to verify trajectories, GNC, and flight code performance 
  • Conduct Monte Carlo simulation analyses to define and verify launch and mission operations 
  • Develop and support release of flight code for pre-launch ground testing, launch, and mission operations 
  • Develop tools and processes for automating common GNC modelling and analysis tasks 

(Please note: This position can be hired at the GNC Engineer II or Senior GNC Engineer I level.)

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS GNC ENGINEER II: 

  • Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and/ or closed-loop control systems, preferably launch vehicles
  • Experience with trajectory optimization
  • Proven experience developing real-time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles
  • Active Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain one

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR GNC ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of industry experience in GNC/ADCS
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and/ or closed-loop control systems, preferably launch vehicles
  • Experience with trajectory optimization
  • Proven experience developing real-time control and/or estimation algorithms in autonomous vehicles, preferably launch vehicles
  • Active Secret security clearance OR Ability to obtain and maintain one

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
  • Experience with git version control.
  • 3+ years' experience in modelling, simulation and/or control of dynamics systems, particularly rigid bodies
  • 3+ years' experience with Python development
  • 3+ years' experience with data analysis using MATLAB and/or SciPy
  • Experience developing in C/C++
  • Experience with ASTOS or similar mission analysis,trajectory optimization, vehicle design andsimulationtools
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships
  • Creative, analytical, and good at problem solving
  • Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to meet higher level tasks

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.


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