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Guidance Navigation Control Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Minimum 3+ years of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineering experience. * Minimum 1+ year of spacecraft or satellite system-level engineering experience. * Minimum 1+ year collaborating with ...

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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 Jul 17, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,574 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Guidance, Navigation, & Controls Engineer

Guidance, Navigation, & Controls Engineer

Moseley Technical Services

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$123K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

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Job description

Guidance, Navigation, & Controls Engineer

Spacecraft Flight Control Systems

On-site in El Segundo, CA

We are hiring a Guidance, Navigation & Controls (GNC) Engineer to support the design, development, integration, and delivery of spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) subsystems for advanced satellite and space programs. This role involves GNC analysis, Flight Control Software (FCSW) development, spacecraft integration and test (I&T), control system design, sensor and actuator selection, and technical leadership while supporting mission-critical aerospace and national security programs requiring a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead delivery of the complete Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) subsystem, including hardware, software, algorithms, and analytical products for satellite programs.
  • Serve as the Responsible Engineering Authority (REA) for one or more spacecraft programs or as the GNC technical focal across multiple programs.
  • Perform spacecraft GNC subsystem design, modeling, analysis, Flight Control Software (FCSW) development, and verification activities.
  • Develop control algorithms and evaluate system performance to ensure compliance with mission and spacecraft requirements.
  • Select and integrate spacecraft sensors and actuators to support mission objectives.
  • Manage GNC subsystem execution within program cost, schedule, and technical performance objectives.
  • Identify technical risks, develop mitigation strategies, and communicate execution status to program leadership.
  • Collaborate with Systems Engineering, software, hardware, manufacturing, integration & test (I&T), and program management teams to ensure system-level performance.
  • Support satellite integration, environmental testing, launch preparation, and on-orbit mission operations.
  • Lead, mentor, and provide technical direction to GNC engineering teams by decomposing complex technical efforts into executable work packages.
  • Support mission architecture, system design reviews, verification planning, and lifecycle engineering activities.

Qualifications:

  • US Citizenship required by Federal Law.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Top Secret Security Clearance after hire.
  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of related engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 3+ years of Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) engineering experience.
  • Minimum 1+ year of spacecraft or satellite system-level engineering experience.
  • Minimum 1+ year collaborating with cross-functional engineering organizations and program leadership.
  • Experience with spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control fundamentals.
  • Experience performing spacecraft GNC analysis, subsystem design, software development, verification, and systems integration.
  • Experience working across multidisciplinary aerospace engineering teams throughout the program lifecycle.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 9+ years of related engineering experience (Level 4).
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Experience supporting satellite Integration & Test (I&T) and on-orbit mission operations.
  • Advanced knowledge of spacecraft kinematics, dynamics, classical control theory, and modern control systems.
  • Experience performing complex GNC analyses using commercial or internally developed engineering tools.
  • Experience developing Flight Control Software (FCSW) and spacecraft control algorithms.
  • Experience leading technical teams and serving as a Responsible Engineering Authority (REA).
  • Demonstrated ability to decompose complex engineering efforts into executable technical tasks.
  • Experience with project execution, cost and schedule management, and technical risk management.
  • Experience establishing engineering processes, technical standards, and best practices.
  • Proven mentoring and technical leadership experience.
  • Experience with spacecraft architecture development, system integration, trade studies, and mission analysis.

Moseley Technical Services, Inc. is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled Employer

Company Description

Since our founding in 1994, Moseley Technical Services has been a trusted partner in Engineering Services, delivering quality and innovation to support the most advanced projects.

Moseley Technical Services logo

About Moseley Technical Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Moseley Technical Services, headquartered in Huntsville, AL, US, is a renowned player in the engineering services industry. They provide a diverse array of services, primarily focused on staffing and recruiting for various technical industries including aerospace, defense, and information technology. Incepted in 1995, this veteran-owned company prides itself on its strong commitment to its customers’ missions and to its employees.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Huntsville, AL, US

Year founded

1994

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