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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 & Control (GNC) Engineer

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

KODA Technologies

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

KODA is a people-first company and a three-time Fortune Best Workplace®, Great Place to Work® certified, a Best Place for Working Parents®, and a seven-time Huntsville Best Places to Work® winner.

We're a small business making a big impact on national-priority missions in missile defense, hypersonics, DoD space, and civil space. At KODA, you'll find:

  • Competitive pay & great benefits
  • Career growth & professional development
  • A culture of trust, integrity, and teamwork

The name KODA, meaning "allies," reflects our commitment to our people, our customers, and our community. Join us and build a career that matters!

Position Overview:

KODA Technologies is seeking a Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer who will specialize in Modeling and Simulation (M&S) of complex technical solutions to join our team in Huntsville, AL. Active Secret Clearance is required.

Key Responsibilities:

This person will join a highly skilled team of M&S engineers and algorithm developers supporting advanced technology demonstrations. GNC Modeling & Simulation Engineer tasks include

  • Design and documentation of model and simulation requirements and architecture
  • Develop, verify, and validate both complex models and simulations, such as missile 6-degree-of-freedom simulations (6-DOF) and effects-based simulations
  • Evaluate system performance in complex scenarios and environments, and verify system and subsystem-level requirements
  • Perform critical studies, analyses, and test activities
  • Support ground and flight test efforts, including Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) activities
  • Support program reviews and technical interchange meetings with internal leadership and/or external customers.

Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary STEM degree with 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Willing to work onsite in a classified area or lab environment
  • Experience with MATLAB for GNC analysis and simulation development
  • Hands-on experience with GNC analysis, including flight dynamics, control systems, or navigation algorithms.
  • Experience working with subsystem and software engineers to integrate MATLAB models, C++ models, and tactical flight software into simulations
  • Professionally demonstrated advanced proficiency in C++
  • Professionally demonstrated strong math skills in the areas of linear algebra, matrix math, statistics, trigonometry, and coordinate transformations
  • Strong written/verbal communication and organizational and interpersonal skills

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience operating in Linux environments
  • Experience with DevOps/DevSecOps CI/CD pipelines and software version control, such as Git
  • Experience deploying algorithms that satisfy real-time performance requirements
  • Experience in weapon system and/or sensor modeling, both for the items to be modeled and the synthetic modeled environments used to stimulate the simulated hardware
  • Knowledge of systems engineering principles, including requirements development and verification
  • Experience working with aerospace systems, particularly spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control
  •  

Clearance: Active DoW Secret Clearance; U.S. citizenship is required

Other: On-Site, Full-Time in Huntsville, AL.

KODA Technologies Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact info@kodatech.com to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.