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Guidance Navigation Control Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Guidance Navigation Control Engineering information

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$55K

$96.6K

$131K

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

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for guidance navigation control engineering in the United States is $96,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $108,000.00 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 (GNC) Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, control systems, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, familiarity with embedded systems, and knowledge of sensor integration are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These skills ensure precise system performance, safety, and successful mission outcomes in complex aerospace projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineers when integrating systems on aerospace projects?

GNC Engineers often encounter challenges related to integrating complex hardware and software systems, especially when ensuring that sensors, actuators, and algorithms work seamlessly together. These challenges may include dealing with sensor noise, real-time data processing constraints, and maintaining system stability under varying environmental conditions. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, such as avionics, software, and systems engineering, is essential to troubleshoot integration issues and achieve reliable performance. Additionally, GNC Engineers must rigorously test and validate designs through simulations and on actual platforms to ensure mission success.

What is the difference between Guidance Navigation Control Engineering vs Guidance Navigation Control Technician?

AspectGuidance Navigation Control EngineeringGuidance Navigation Control Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, certifications in control systemsTechnical diploma or associate degree, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of systems, often in labs or officesInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting in field or lab settings
Employer & IndustryAerospace, defense, or automotive industriesManufacturers, service providers, or military contractors
Search & ComparisonFocuses on system design and engineering principlesCenters on operational support and system maintenance

Guidance Navigation Control Engineering involves designing and developing navigation systems, requiring advanced engineering credentials. In contrast, Guidance Navigation Control Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting these systems in the field. Both roles are essential in the industry but differ in responsibilities, education, and work environment.

What is Guidance Navigation Control Engineering?

Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design and development of systems that enable vehicles—such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and autonomous vehicles—to navigate and control their movement accurately. GNC engineers work on algorithms and hardware that allow these vehicles to determine their position, plan their path, and execute maneuvers safely and efficiently. This field combines elements of aerospace engineering, control theory, robotics, and computer science to ensure vehicles can reach their destinations reliably, often in complex or dynamic environments.
More about Guidance Navigation Control Engineering jobs
What states have the most Guidance Navigation Control Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Guidance Navigation Control Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Guidance Navigation Control Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer, Air Dominance & Strike - Advanced Effects

Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer, Air Dominance & Strike - Advanced Effects

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Other

Posted 21 days ago


Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

 

Join our Flight Engineering team advancing the Air Dominance and Strike division's portfolio, where we push the boundaries of aerospace technology. As a critical member of our team, the role of a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer is pivotal in driving the design, development, testing, and implementation of cutting-edge flight system technologies for our aerospace systems. Anduril fosters a dynamic learning culture, characterized by accelerated knowledge acquisition through modeling, simulation, analysis, and rigorous and frequent ground and flight test experimentation. At Anduril, you will be involved in flight testing the systems you develop.

We are seeking exceptional GNC Engineers to shape the next generation of advanced tactical missile systems, strategic weapons, and hypersonic strike and defense systems. As a key contributor, you will develop, test, and integrate cutting-edge GNC architectures for subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic autonomous systems, driving innovation in mission-critical capabilities.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Develop, implement, and test algorithms for guidance, navigation, and control systems in line with project requirements.
  • Design, implement, and assess the GNC architectures considering all elements, including sensors, actuators, and algorithms.
  • Participate in all phases of system development, from concept to design, prototyping, testing, and operation.
  • Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team including systems engineers, flight software engineers, and test engineers to ensure system-wide integration and performance.
  • Contribute to design reviews, safety assessments, and system documentation.
  • Use simulation and analysis tools to verify GNC models and system performance under different operating conditions.
  • Provide system engineering expertise in the development of GNC systems, ensuring a cohesive and efficient approach to the design and implementation process.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to GNC systems during design, testing, and operational phases.
  • Keep updated with the latest technologies and trends in GNC engineering and system architecture design.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BS in Robotics, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Aerospace Engineering or related field with focus on dynamics and control
  • A strong theoretical knowledge of flight mechanics, classical and modern control theory, estimation, and filtering techniques.
  • Experience with developing GNC solutions for flight systems
  • Proficiency with GNC simulation tools like MATLAB, Simulink and related toolboxes
  • Familiarization with 6-DOF simulations
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret clearance
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer
  • 3 or more years of experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control engineering or related technical experience
Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer
  • 8 or more years of experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control engineering or related technical experience
Staff Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer
  • 12 or more years of experience in Guidance, Navigation & Control engineering or related technical experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A MS or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is a plus
  • Strong understanding of flight mechanics and related physics.
  • Practical experience developing GNC designs for high speed flight systems and re-entry vehicles.
  • Practical experience with Explicit Model Following, Dynamic Inversion, and Adaptive Control techniques.
  • Extensive experience in GNC system and architecture development and testing, preferably in the aerospace industry.
  • Experience generating C or C++ code from Simulink models.
  • Experience writing code in C/C++
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
  • Familiarity with agile and Lean product development methodologies such as Scrum.
  • Experience using Jira, Git, GitHub, or GitLab
  • Understanding of and compliance with industry, safety, and quality standards appropriate for the application
  • Passion for defending the United States and its allies
  • Current Active U.S. Top Secret clearance preferred

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About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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