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Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Jobs in California

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Guidance Navigation Control Engineer information

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$54.3K

$95.3K

$129.3K

How much do guidance navigation control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for guidance navigation control engineer in California is $95,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a guidance navigation control engineer?

To thrive as a Guidance Navigation Control Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, control theory, and mathematics, usually supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, programming languages such as C/C++, and experience with sensor integration and embedded systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, precise, and reliable operation of complex aerospace or autonomous systems.

What does a guidance navigation control engineer do?

A guidance, navigation, and control engineer designs, manufactures, and tests aircraft and other vehicles. Your duties span research and development, analysis, design, and manufacturing. As a GNC engineer, you are an aerospace engineer with responsibilities that include examining design proposals for financial and structural feasibility, overseeing the design and manufacturing system operations, and running tests to determine safety and performance. You manage quality control, look for issues with designs and final products, and determine what solutions are safe and effective. You must understand and apply concepts like propulsion and flight mechanics, aerodynamics, and thermodynamics when designing and building vehicles.

How does a guidance navigation control engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

Guidance Navigation Control Engineers work closely with professionals from various disciplines, such as mechanical engineers, software developers, and systems engineers, to ensure that navigation and control systems are seamlessly integrated into larger aerospace or robotics projects. Regular meetings, design reviews, and simulation sessions are common, where GNC engineers both contribute their expertise and adapt solutions based on feedback from other teams. This collaborative environment helps resolve integration challenges early and ensures that final products meet safety, performance, and reliability standards.

What is a guidance navigation control engineer?

Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test systems that guide and control the movement of vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and autonomous vehicles. Their work involves creating algorithms and integrating sensors and actuators to ensure precise navigation and stability. GNC Engineers play a critical role in mission planning, real-time control, and safety, making sure vehicles follow their intended paths accurately. They often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex problems related to flight dynamics, navigation, and control systems.
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Infographic showing various Guidance Navigation Control Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $95,309 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer (Associate or Experienced)

Boeing

El Segundo, CA

$124K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer (Associate or Experienced)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security's Experimental Systems Group (ESG) is hiring GN&C Engineers across Associate, and Experienced levels to rapidly prototype, develop, and field novel space and hypersonic capabilities. ESG delivers first-of-kind solutions for customers in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, including the X-37B, the world's first fully autonomous, reusable spaceplane. You will design GN&C algorithms, build highfidelity simulations, implement and test flight software, and support integration and flight test in both atmospheric and space environments. Career growth opportunities are available for candidates with a passion for spacecraft or aircraft GN&C.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms.

  • Develop and maintain 6DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.

  • Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics.

  • Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.

  • Apply aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls knowledge to support the design of re-entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions

  • Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for onorbit and atmospheric operations.

  • Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents.

  • Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test.

  • Collaborate with crossfunctional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.

  • Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • 2+ years of engineering experience or a Masters Degree

  • Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles

  • Experience using MATLAB and Simulink

  • Experience developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and to communicate technical results clearly

  • 5+ years related technical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred

  • Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects, or hypersonic reentry GN&C

  • Programming experience in C/C++ or comparable languages sufficient to implement and test GN&C algorithms

  • Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters), GPS/INS, or air data systems

  • Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design

  • Modelbased development experience and flight test support.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeingis a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range:

Associate level: $100,300 - $135,700

Experienced level: $124,100 - $167,900

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

Safety Sensitive:

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. A current Tier 5(T5), formerly known as a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) (U.S. Citizenship required) or requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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