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Gnc Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

GNC Systems Engineer III

Reston, VA · On-site

$130K - $182K/yr

As a GNC Systems Engineer, you will be a part of a hardworking team of engineers and apply your technical expertise to the development, implementation, and verification of the Guidance, Navigation ...

Summer 2027 GNC / Autonomy Intern

Herndon, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

We are seeking a motivated GNC Engineering Intern to join our multidisciplinary team. In this role, you will support projects related to Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C), flight testing ...

Showing results 41-60

Gnc Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$43.8K

$113.2K

$172K

How much do gnc engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for gnc engineer in Reston, VA is $113,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,200.00 and $138,100.00 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 Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Gnc Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

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For Gnc Engineer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Gnc Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Gnc Engineer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Gnc Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Gnc Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,022 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineers - Level 3 or 4 - TS Cleared (AHT)

Northrop Grumman

Dulles, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description 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 supporting our Space team, this role can be based at either our Dulles, VA or Gilbert, AZ locations. On our team, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

This role is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.

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: Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques Design and analyze relative guidance solutions for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g

Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, attitude and position guidance, rendezvous, proximity operations and docking analyses, and predicted performance assessments Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g. star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g. reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g

rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models, propellant slosh), and the space environment (e.g. atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential) 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 designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers Work well within small- to medium-sized groups This role is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available

Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman. Basic Qualifications: Requires an active/current U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret (TS) security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval AND Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access within a reasonable period of time Level 3: (Principal level) Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant engineering experience May consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of a completed degree Master's degree with 3 years of relevant engineering experience PhD with 1 year of relevant engineering experience Level 4: (Sr Principal level) Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant engineering experience May consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of a completed degree Master's degree with 6 years of relevant engineering experience PhD with 4 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) Preferred Qualifications: Current/Active TS with SCI MS or PhD in engineering, physics, or math 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 Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) algorithms, practices and planning strategies 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 This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman. 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 #SpaceEngJobs #SpaceSoftwareJobs #SpaceGNCJobs #NoVASpace #AZSpace Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $171,000.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $213,400.00 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

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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