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Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Jobs in Iowa

S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their ... Provide practical guidance that empowers clients to independently navigate service systems and ...

... reliable navigation and guidance solutions for a diverse range of applications - from airborne ... This Test Engineering team is responsible for developing automated electronic test solutions for ...

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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 Sep 14, 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 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.

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.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Guidance Navigation Control Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,708 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Lead Control Systems Engineer

Le Mars, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and write PLC and HMI programs for municipal water and wastewater SCADA systems.

  • Perform full project startup and control system commissioning, including instrumentation and motor control devices.

  • Serve as technical lead on projects, providing guidance to engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.


Job description

*This is a remote position with travel - including day and overnight travel within NE Iowa and periodic overnight travel throughout the Midwest*
COMPANY SUMMARY
Automatic Systems Company is an industry-leading provider of water, wastewater, and industrial control systems. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients. With a focus on excellence and continuous improvement, we strive to make a significant impact in the field of automation and control systems.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Control Systems Engineer to provide advanced programming services for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), primarily supporting municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role is responsible for leading control system development, startup, commissioning, and customer coordination for large-scale SCADA projects.
The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in PLC/HMI platforms, experience commissioning complex control systems, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
This position offers the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure projects supporting municipal water and wastewater systems and industrial control systems while helping shape secure and modern control systems for essential public utilities.
KEY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Develop and write PLC and HMI programs for medium and large-scale, complex municipal water and wastewater SCADA systems.
• Assist with performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to validate PLC and HMI programs ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. Design and perform simulations to verify the logic and functionality of the control systems.
• Perform full project startup and control system commissioning, including instrumentation, motor control devices, and related equipment.
• Serve as technical lead on assigned projects, providing guidance to engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Commission and troubleshoot communications networks including fiber optic systems, radio telemetry, broadband, and other associated technologies. Primary communication protocols include EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, OPC UA, and MQTT.
• Support implementation of industrial cybersecurity best practices including network segmentation, user access management, secure remote access, and backup strategies.
• Develop, review, and manage all project documentation in accordance with company standards and project-specific requirements.
• Communicate effectively with customers throughout design, construction, startup, and aftermarket support phases.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution during system integration and post-installation.
• Support proposal development, scope definition, and technical review when required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• None
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience and/or an Associate degree in an automation-related field. 10+ years of relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive programming experience in industrial automation and control systems, including:
o PLC programming such as Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, Modicon, Siemens S7, GE PACSystems, or similar platforms.
o HMI programming such as Wonderware, FactoryTalk View SE, Ignition, VT SCADA, Cimplicity, Intellution, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale municipal water and wastewater SCADA projects.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation, motor control systems, process control strategies, and system integration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with field personnel, engineers, contractors, management, and municipal clients.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and implement new technologies and industry best practices.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within assigned territory
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Information Technology experience (industrial networking, cybersecurity, system architecture) is a plus.
Travel Requirements
• Expected travel is approximately 30-45% overall, including day and overnight travel within Iowa and periodic overnight travel throughout the Midwest.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position includes both office-based engineering and field-based commissioning activities at municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. Candidates should be comfortable working in industrial environments and performing hands-on startup, testing, and troubleshooting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is minimal.]
Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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#LI-GL
#AutomaticSystemsCo
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.