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Guidance Navigation Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Guidance Navigation Control information

What is guidance, navigation, and control (GNC)?

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) refers to the engineering discipline focused on directing the movement of vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and autonomous vehicles. Guidance determines the desired path or trajectory, navigation estimates the vehicle's current position and velocity, and control ensures the vehicle follows the desired path by adjusting its actuators. Together, GNC systems enable precise and safe operation of vehicles in complex environments. Professionals in this field work on designing algorithms, integrating sensors, and testing hardware to achieve reliable performance.

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 solid background in aerospace engineering, control systems, and applied mathematics, usually backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, programming languages such as C++ or Python, and experience with embedded systems or flight software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments. These skills are crucial for designing reliable guidance and control systems that ensure the safety, accuracy, and performance of aerospace vehicles.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in guidance, navigation, and control roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in GNC roles often encounter challenges such as ensuring system reliability in dynamic environments, integrating complex hardware and software components, and maintaining accuracy under rapidly changing conditions. To address these, GNC engineers typically rely on rigorous simulation and testing, cross-functional collaboration with systems and software teams, and continuous learning to stay updated on emerging technologies. Proactive communication and agile problem-solving are essential to navigate the fast-paced and detail-oriented nature of this role.

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

AspectGuidance Navigation ControlGuidance Navigation Control
Required CertificationsOften requires aerospace or engineering certifications, such as FAA or industry-specific credentialsSame certifications typically needed, focusing on aerospace engineering credentials
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in aerospace, defense, or space industries, working on aircraft or spacecraft systemsSimilar environment, involving design, testing, and operation of navigation systems in aerospace projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by aerospace companies, defense contractors, and space agenciesSame industry usage, with focus on navigation system development and integration
Common Search & Comparison IntentOften compared with related roles like Guidance Navigation Control to clarify responsibilitiesSame comparison, emphasizing technical differences or overlaps

Guidance Navigation Control professionals focus on designing, testing, and maintaining navigation systems for aerospace applications. The role overlaps significantly with other aerospace engineering positions, making the comparison important for understanding specific responsibilities within the industry.

What job categories do people searching Guidance Navigation Control jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Guidance Navigation Control jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Guidance Navigation Control job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer (Associate or Experienced)

Boeing

Seal Beach, CA

$124K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 616 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer (Associate or Experienced)

Company:

The Boeing Company

Boeing Defense, Space & Security's Experimental Systems Group (ESG) is hiring GN&C Engineers across Associate, and Experienced levels to rapidly prototype, develop, and field novel space and hypersonic capabilities. ESG delivers first-of-kind solutions for customers in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, including the X-37B, the world's first fully autonomous, reusable spaceplane. You will design GN&C algorithms, build highfidelity simulations, implement and test flight software, and support integration and flight test in both atmospheric and space environments. Career growth opportunities are available for candidates with a passion for spacecraft or aircraft GN&C.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, and hypersonic/airborne platforms.

  • Develop and maintain 6DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment.

  • Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics.

  • Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization.

  • Apply aerodynamics, atmospheric flight mechanics, and controls knowledge to support the design of re-entry guidance, navigation, and flight control functions

  • Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for onorbit and atmospheric operations.

  • Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents.

  • Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test.

  • Collaborate with crossfunctional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders.

  • Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

  • 2+ years of engineering experience or a Masters Degree

  • Engineering experience with aircraft, missile, spacecraft, autonomous platform or similar vehicles

  • Experience using MATLAB and Simulink

  • Experience developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and to communicate technical results clearly

  • 5+ years related technical experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is Preferred

  • Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects, or hypersonic reentry GN&C

  • Programming experience in C/C++ or comparable languages sufficient to implement and test GN&C algorithms

  • Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters), GPS/INS, or air data systems

  • Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design

  • Modelbased development experience and flight test support.

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility. Note: Basic relocation will be offered for eligible internal candidates

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeingis a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range:

Associate level: $100,300 - $135,700

Experienced level: $124,100 - $167,900

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

Safety Sensitive:

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. A current Tier 5(T5), formerly known as a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) (U.S. Citizenship required) or requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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At Boeing, we are all innovators on a mission to connect, protect, explore and inspire. From the sea bed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Industry

Aviation and aerospace product and parts manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US