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Guidance Navigation Control Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Senior DevOps Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$122K - $156K/yr

Manage source control systems (BitBucket, Git) and enforce best practices in branching, merging ... Provide mentorship and technical guidance to engineers on DevOps tools, processes, and best ...

The Ground, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer is responsible for the design ... Perform system modeling, simulation, and analysis of navigation and guidance performance under ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Control Systems Technician

Nevada, IA • On-site

Thermo Systems LLC.
Industrial Automation Equipment Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$156K - $162K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and assist in project installation, start-up, and commissioning of control systems.

  • Perform instrument loop checks, calibrations, and troubleshoot control systems.

  • Wire instruments and control panels, and conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).


Job description

Career Opportunities with Thermo Systems LLC

Careers At Thermo Systems LLC

Current job opportunities are posted here as they become available.

Subscribe to our RSS feeds to receive instant updates as new positions become available.

Location: Onsite in Henderson, NV or Mansfield, TX

Employment Status: Full-Time

Travel: Up to 100%

Who We Are

Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.

Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:

  • Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth
  • Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
  • Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long‑term focus

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.

The Opportunity

The Senior Control Systems Technician will provide technical support and field coordination to control system projects and service teams. They will be accountable for assigned tasks and seeks out new responsibilities. The Senior Control Systems Technician will be expected to take direction and seek guidance from the assigned project leads, supervisors, and company leadership.

What You’ll Do Core Responsibilities:
  • Ability to lead and assist in project installation, start‑up and commissioning of control systems.
  • Lead and perform instrument loop checks and calibrations.
  • Expert in maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of control systems.
  • Lead and perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
  • Wire instruments and control panels.
  • Demonstrate understanding of Human‑Machine Interface (HMI) and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications.
  • Expert with startup and troubleshooting of Human‑Machine Interface (HMI) applications.
  • Expert with startup and troubleshooting of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications.
  • Expert in reading and interpreting piping & instrumentation diagrams and wiring diagrams. Able to provide feedback regarding field conditions versus drawings.
  • Practice procedures outlined in the company’s Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Accurately document work performed.
  • Demonstrate understanding of control system design.
  • Demonstrate understanding of electrical and mechanical system design.
  • Demonstrate understanding of Information Technology (IT) system, network infrastructure, and computer system design, as it relates to control system integration.
  • Seek accredited control systems certifications and training opportunities.
  • Develop and demonstrate strong verbal and written business communication skills.
Customer Service:
  • Communicate in an effective, positive, and proactive manner with customers.
  • Follow customer specific site standards and procedures.
  • Always conduct business in a professional manner.
  • Provide excellent customer care and support.
  • Be patient, attentive, and responsive to customers in solving their problems.
  • Always follow up and honor commitments with customers.
Project Responsibilities:
  • Complete assigned tasks accurately, on schedule, and under budget.
  • Understand the scope of work assigned to you, identify when issues arise that are beyond that scope, and communicate those issues to the assigned project lead.
  • Where applicable, directs and oversees junior or subordinate staff members regarding construction, operations, and/or maintenance tasks and assignments at a project site.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Participate in management and leadership training.
  • Manage staff technician schedules.
  • Effectively manage technician flow to align with company priorities.
What We’re Looking For Education & Experie n ce:
  • Associate degree in Applied Science, Engineering Technology, Computer Information Systems Technology, relevant curriculum, or experience.
  • Typically, 5 to 8+ years industry experience.
  • Proven Track Record: 5+ years as Lead Control Systems Technician II or equivalent.
Skills & Qualifications:
  • Shows initiative by seeking new responsibilities.
  • Understands and anticipates customer needs.
  • Builds relationships with customers.
What You’ll Get
  • Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
  • In‑house and external technical training opportunities
  • Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
  • A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork
Work Environment & Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

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