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Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Embedded Electrical Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$128K - $169K/yr

Establish and maintain software design files, version control practices, and code management ... Review externally developed code and provide technical guidance to ensure alignment with program ...

Embedded Electrical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Establish and maintain software design files, version control practices, and code management ... Review externally developed code and provide technical guidance to ensure alignment with program ...

Eng Sr - Elec

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

... navigation and guidance solutions for a diverse range of applications - from airborne systems and precision guided munitions to handheld receivers and embedded. This Test Engineering team is ...

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Guidance Navigation Control Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$51.7K

$90.7K

$123K

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

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for guidance navigation control engineer in Iowa is $90,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $101,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Guidance Navigation Control Engineer, and why are they important?

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, and 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 are Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineers?

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.
What job categories do people searching Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Guidance Navigation Control Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,708 per year, or $43.6 per hour.
Experienced Project Engineer - Control Systems

Experienced Project Engineer - Control Systems

River Cities Engineering

Blue Grass, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary:

Position Summary

As a Project Engineer, you will play a critical role in overseeing and executing engineering projects. This position is responsible for project implementation from design to completion, including design, material procurement, programming, commissioning, and ongoing support. Responsible for managing various aspects of electrical projects, from concept to completion. This role requires strong technical knowledge, project management skills, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results.


Essential Functions of Position

  • Design and develop engineering and control systems for a wide range of projects. These projects include but are not limited to engineering projects, industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with clients, architects, and other stakeholders to understand project requirements and objectives.
  • Develop and implement control system applications and code for PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other control devices.
  • Create and review electrical plans, schematics, and specifications.
  • Develop bids/budgets by estimating labor, material, and construction costs.
  • Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the reliability and safety of control systems
  • Ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations.
  • Lead project teams consisting of engineers and technicians, providing guidance and support throughout the life cycle of large scale projects.
  • Collaborate with project managers and cross-functional teams to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables. Develop project plans, budgets, and timelines.
  • Monitor project progress, identify, and resolve issues, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance to project teams and clients.
  • Mentor and advise junior engineers to foster their professional development.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team
  • Conduct comprehensive testing of control systems to ensure functionality and reliability. Troubleshoot and resolve any technical issues that arise during the project.
        • Maintain accurate project documentation, including design specifications, user manuals, and as-built drawings.
          • Stay up to date with the latest advancements in control engineering and automation technology to propose innovative solutions.
          • Drive process improvement initiatives to optimize efficiency and effectiveness of control systems and processes.
          • Participate in continuous learning and stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies
            • Adhere to and promote safety regulations with both the company and customer. Ensuring a safe working environment for the team and compliance with all relevant regulations.
            • Ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations and environmental standards.
            • Prepare and deliver project status reports to clients and senior management.


              Job Qualifications

              • Proven experience in controls engineering, including designing and implementing control systems.
              • Proficiency in PLC programming, HMI development, and knowledge of control hardware.
              • Familiarity with industry standards and safety regulations.
              • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
              • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
              • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
              • Proven experience in electrical and control systems engineering, with a minimum of 5 years of experience preferred.
              • Advanced knowledge of electrical systems, codes, and standards (e.g., NEC, IEC).
              • Strong project management skills, with a successful track record of completing projects on time and within budget.
              • Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills.
              • Proficiency in relevant software tools and technologies (e.g., AutoCAD, PLC, HMI, programming software).
              • Knowledgeable in National Electric Code NFPA 70 (NEC) and Arc Flash Electrical Safety NFPA 70E Standards
              • Knowledge of all OSHA requirements in relation to construction and company safety policies.
              • Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written skills
              • Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
              • Must be detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize.
              • Effective organizational and time management skills
              • Able to work outside the traditional work schedule which includes nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
              • Able to travel to job locations that may require overnight stays.
              • Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
              • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat, crawl, climb, kneel, balance, push, pull, and reach overhead.
              • Must be able to lift up to 50lbs.


              Education

              BSEE, BSME degree from a university accredited by the ABET, Associates of Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience. 6 - 10 years of relevant experience preferred.


              Benefits

              Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending plan, 401(k) plus matching, paid time off, paid holidays, paid bereavement, company apparel allowance. Relocation will not be provided for this position.

              River Cities Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and genetic information. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.