As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 supporting a team located in Dulles, VA or McLean, VA , you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the ...
As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 supporting a team located in Dulles, VA or McLean, VA , you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the ...
As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 supporting a team located in Dulles, VA or McLean, VA , you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the ...
As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 supporting a team located in Dulles, VA or McLean, VA , you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the ...
As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 supporting a team located in Dulles, VA or McLean, VA , you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the ...
As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 supporting a team located in Dulles, VA or McLean, VA , you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the ...
Description Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role ...
Description Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role ...
Description Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role ...
Description Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role ...
Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role provides technical ...
Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in Dahlgren, VA. This role provides technical ...
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments ...
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments ...
The GNC Engineer will participate hands-on in the full software life cycle, from concept through implementation, integration to flight test and operational release. This will be a remote based ...
The GNC Engineer will participate hands-on in the full software life cycle, from concept through implementation, integration to flight test and operational release. This will be a remote based ...
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments ...
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Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments ...
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking askilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments to ...
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking askilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments to ...
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments ...
Ventus Executive Solutions is seeking a skilled Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to support an innovative program office. You will provide technical support and independent assessments ...
Junior GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer) Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in ...
Junior GNC Engineer (Aerospace Engineer) Command Post Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Junior GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineer to support hypersonic research efforts of the NSWCDD in ...
2026 Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer/Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Engineer...
Dulles, VA · On-site
Our GNC team is designing, building, testing spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and ... Spacecraft GNC analysis engineers will work within the GNC subsystem team and are expected to:
2026 Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer/Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Engineer...
Dulles, VA · On-site
Our GNC team is designing, building, testing spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and ... Spacecraft GNC analysis engineers will work within the GNC subsystem team and are expected to:
2026 Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer/Guidance Navigation Control Engineer - Dulles VA
Sterling, VA · On-site
Our GNC team is designing, building, testing spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and ... Spacecraft GNC analysis engineers will work within the GNC subsystem team and are expected to:
New
2026 Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer/Guidance Navigation Control Engineer - Dulles VA
Sterling, VA · On-site
Our GNC team is designing, building, testing spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and ... Spacecraft GNC analysis engineers will work within the GNC subsystem team and are expected to:
New
2026 Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer/Guidance Navigation Control Engineer - Dulles...
Our GNC team is designing, building, testing spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and ... Spacecraft GNC analysis engineers will work within the GNC subsystem team and are expected to:
New
2026 Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer/Guidance Navigation Control Engineer - Dulles...
Our GNC team is designing, building, testing spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and ... Spacecraft GNC analysis engineers will work within the GNC subsystem team and are expected to:
New
SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation
SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation
GNC Aerospace Engineer
$120K - $160K/yr
ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation ...
GNC Aerospace Engineer
$120K - $160K/yr
ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation ...
GNC Aerospace Engineer
Dahlgren, VA · On-site
SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation
GNC Aerospace Engineer
Dahlgren, VA · On-site
SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state estimation
GNC Aerospace Engineer
Dahlgren, VA · On-site
$120K - $160K/yr
ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation ...
GNC Aerospace Engineer
Dahlgren, VA · On-site
$120K - $160K/yr
ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation ...
GNC Aerospace Engineer
Dahlgren, VA · On-site
$120K - $160K/yr
Description SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state ...
GNC Aerospace Engineer
Dahlgren, VA · On-site
$120K - $160K/yr
Description SAIC is seeking a GNC Aerospace Engineer in Dahlgren, VA. Responsibilities: * Develop, implement, and refine GNC algorithms for guidance laws, control loops, navigation filters, and state ...
Gnc Engineer information
See Virginia salary details
$41.6K - $52.7K
5% of jobs
$52.7K - $63.8K
1% of jobs
$63.8K - $74.9K
5% of jobs
$74.9K - $86K
10% of jobs
$88.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$86K - $97.1K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $106.4K / yr.
$97.1K - $108.2K
17% of jobs
$108.2K - $119.2K
17% of jobs
$129.8K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$119.2K - $130.3K
5% of jobs
$130.3K - $141.4K
20% of jobs
$141.4K - $152.5K
1% of jobs
$152.5K - $163.6K
3% of jobs
$41.6K
$107.7K
$163.6K
How much do gnc engineer jobs pay per year?
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 popular job titles related to Gnc Engineer jobs in Virginia?
For Gnc Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gnc Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?
The top searched job categories for Gnc Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
- Mechanical Engineer Recent Graduate
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- Dast
- Professional Universe Developer
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- Non Union Guidance Navigation Control Gnc Engineer
- Labview Development
- Internship Monte Carlo Simulation
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Gnc Engineer jobs?
Cities in Virginia with the most Gnc Engineer job openings:

Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 (AHT)
Sterling, VA • On-site
Full-time
Medical, Life, PTO
Re-posted 21 days ago
Northrop Grumman rating
8.2
Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
85th of 544 rated manufacturers
Job description
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineer - Level 2 supporting a team located in Dulles, VA or McLean, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.
This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
The GNC team designs, builds, and tests spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites.
Job Responsibilities:
In this role you will:
- Leading the procurement of GNC component hardware (Coarse Sun Sensor Assemblies, Star Tracker Assemblies, GPS Receivers, Inertial Reference Units / Inertial Measurement Units, Reaction Wheel Assemblies, Magno-Torquer Bars, etc.) as the cognizant engineer (CogE).
- Leading domestic and international supplier meetings for the procurement and testing of GNC component hardware.
- Provide general support, status tracking, and close action items for your assigned GNC component hardware for the entire lifecycle of the program and component.
- Perform trade studies for GNC component hardware for proposal efforts.
- Perform GNC component requirement reviews through compliance verification matrices with multiple different program subsystems (Mechanical, Propulsion, Electrical, Systems, etc.).
- Design and procure GNC component hardware test equipment (EGSE / GSE).
- Lead integration and testing of GNC hardware components with spacecraft.
- Troubleshoot GNC Hardware anomalies using supplier Users Manuals and documentation.
Communication is a key element of your role and all GNC engineers are expected to:
- Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals
- Document, design, analysis, and test results as well as creating presentation materials
- Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
- Work well within small- to medium-sized groups
This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
This position is contingent upon the candidate verifying and/or obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret (TS) security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access [TS/SCI] within a reasonable period of time. US citizenship is required.
- Level 2:
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience - OR - Master's degree with a minimum of 0 years of relevant engineering experience
- May consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of a completed degree
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2 years of relevant engineering experience - OR - Master's degree with a minimum of 0 years of relevant engineering experience
- Experience developing software in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++
- Experience in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) subsystem design, analysis, and testing; can include Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS)
- Familiarity with GNC space components: Coarse Sun Sensor Assemblies, Star Tracker Assemblies, GPS Receivers, Inertial Reference Units / Inertial Measurement Units, Reaction Wheel Assemblies, Magno-Torquer Bars, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active TS/SCI
- MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Familiarity with GNC space components: Coarse Sun Sensor Assemblies, Star Tracker Assemblies, GPS Receivers, Inertial Reference Units / Inertial Measurement Units, Reaction Wheel Assemblies, Magno-Torquer Bars, etc.
- Experience with version control tools such as SVN or Git
- Experience implementing spacecraft GNC algorithms on embedded systems
- Strong technical fundamentals in the areas of spacecraft attitude and orbit dynamics, navigation filtering and/or control systems design
- Experience with on-orbit space vehicle operations, commanding, debugging, and use of flight telemetry to track performance metrics
- Experience with performing spacecraft GNC design, analysis, Hardware (HW) and Integration & Test (I&T), or flight operations.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities are desired
If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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About Northrop Grumman
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At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.
Industry
Space research administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Falls Church, VA, US
Year founded
1939