1

Guidance Navigation Control Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Guidance Navigation Control Engineering information

See salary details

$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.
Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Missile Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Missile Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer

Raytheon

Phoenix, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-04-14

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-AZ-TUCSON-805 ~ 1151 E Hermans Rd ~ BLDG 805

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Ability to obtain INTERIM U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world.

The Systems Effectors: Processing, Guidance & Control Center is responsible for algorithm development including Guidance, Navigation, and Control; radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical/infrared (EO-IR) Signal Processing (SP); and missile- and sensor-level Modeling and Simulation for Raytheon's broad portfolio of projects, programs, and products. In the GNC department, we design, integrate, and optimize effector guidance, tracking, navigation, and estimation algorithms to meet mission objectives. We support new business initiatives and help develop & execute technology roadmaps.

The Effectors PG&C Center is currently hiring for a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Missile Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer position in Tucson, AZ to support execution of the portfolio of current and upcoming missile programs. As a Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Missile Guidance, Navigation, & Control Engineer, you will play a critical role in helping with the evaluation, design, implementation, and integration of embedded software algorithms. You will collaborate with a team of engineers in an integrated product team that will be responsible for tactical embedded software, firmware, and integrated flight software 6 Degrees-of-Freedom simulations to achieve overall system performance requirements.  This position is an onsite role located in Tucson, AZ. 

What You Will Do

  • Development, integration, and testing of embedded tactical missile flight code

  • Definition and execution of system level performance studies and analyses to inform the development and integration of new capabilities, refinement of existing capability, or to address obsolescence

  • Work within an agile framework to lead development of backlogs, plans, and metrics

  • Provide experience and guidance to help the program train new engineers and execute efficiently and effectively

  • Support missile performance analysis including model development, system optimization, and Monte Carlo assessments with expected system disturbances.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree and a minimum of 10 years prior relevant experience

  • GNC, Signal Processing, and/or Modeling / Simulation experience

  • Engineering experience in missile system applications to include at least three of the following or subject matter expertise in at least one:

    • Digital and/or modern control systems

    • Dynamics

    • Kalman filter design

    • Monte Carlo analysis

    • Development and/or simulation of physical systems

    • Signal processing

    • Verification and validation

    • System-level performance assessments

    • GPS/INS navigation systems, sensors, and algorithms

    • Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) systems, sensors, and algorithms for navigation in GPS-degraded environments

  • Experience with MATLAB, Python, C, C++, and/or Object-Oriented design

  • Experience with GNC and/or Signal Processing algorithms within a simulation or physical environment

  • Experience managing or leading others in a technical and/or functional capacity within an engineering environment

  • Ability to obtain an Interim Secret U.S. government issued Security Clearance is required prior to start date with the ability to obtain special program access after start. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Advanced Degree in Engineering, Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related STEM degree with 10 or more years of GNC, Signal Processing, and/or Modeling / Simulation experience

  • Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and customers regarding matters of significant importance

  • Ability to balance multiple concurrent priorities with overlapping deadline in an Agile environment

  • Subject Matter Expert in at least one of the following areas: RF algorithm design, GNC algorithm design, autopilot algorithm design or Software in Simulation

  • Experience with and demonstrable achievement in systems engineering principals with regards to product development

  • Engineering team leadership

What We Offer

  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

  • Relocation Eligible - relocation assistance is available for this position

Learn More & Apply Now!

  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.  Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

  • This position requires onsite work in Tucson, AZ: https://careers.rtx.com/global/en/raytheon-tucson,-az-location

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 132,400 USD - 251,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms


What Raytheon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom