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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 are popular job titles related to Guidance Navigation Control jobs in Washington?

For Guidance Navigation Control jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Guidance Navigation Control jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Guidance Navigation Control job openings:

Guidance Navigation Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Guidance Navigation Control job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Who We're Looking For
Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.
We are seeking a Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer to develop the algorithms, analyses, and flight capabilities that enable our spacecraft to navigate, maneuver, and operate autonomously across a diverse range of space missions In this role, you will own GNC subsystem development throughout the spacecraft lifecycle, including mission analysis, modeling and simulation, guidance, navigation, and control algorithm development, flight software integration, hardware integration and test, verification and validation, and on-orbit mission support The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and is passionate about building next-generation space systems that support mission success.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Develop high-fidelity spacecraft dynamics and GNC simulation environments to support analysis, verification, and mission design.
  • Implement and tune control laws for attitude control, momentum management, orbit maneuvering, RPO, and station-keeping.
  • Perform state estimation design and analysis (EKF/UKF, sensor fusion, GPS/IMU, star tracker & sun sensor pipelines).
  • Support integration of GNC algorithms into flight software, including validation through unit test, SIL/HIL, and full-vehicle simulation.
  • Collaborate with avionics and sensor teams to define GNC-related ICDs, data flows, timing, and performance budgets.
  • Analyze both on-orbit and testbed telemetry to evaluate GNC performance and inform updates to algorithms and configuration.
  • Develop tools that improve autonomous maneuver planning, control margin analysis, and attitude/orbit estimation accuracy.
  • Support safe-mode and fault management logic development in partnership with FSW and systems engineering.
  • Work with the systems team to specify hardware components based on system requirements, and coordinate with vendors to acquire hardware that meet program cost and schedule targets.
  • Develop and execute GNC hardware acceptance and performance test plans and procedures.
  • Participate in MCR/PDR/CDR, test readiness reviews, and support operations during early-orbit commissioning when needed.
  • Contribute to rapid iteration cycles that refine autonomy and maneuverability across successive spacecraft builds.

What It Takes
  • B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field.
  • 3-8+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability GNC development.
  • Strong foundation in rigid-body dynamics, orbital mechanics, and classical/modern control theory.
  • Experience implementing estimation and control algorithms in C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.
  • Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS, ranging sensors).
  • Familiarity with flight software integration, SIL/HIL testing, and simulation pipelines.
  • Ability to analyze telemetry, validate performance, and debug GNC-related anomalies.
  • Systems-level awareness across avionics, software, and dynamics.
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • Experience with RPO, proximity operations, autonomous maneuver planning, or high-ΔV vehicle dynamics.
  • Familiarity with MAX FSW and MAX GDS or other modern COTS flight software environments.
  • Experience with Monte Carlo analysis and large-scale mission simulation.
  • Experience with EKF variants, covariance analysis, or nonlinear control approaches.
  • Background with thruster-based ACS, high-agility control architectures, or propulsion-coupled dynamics.
  • Experience analyzing 6DOF models incorporating propellant slosh and flexible-body dynamics.
  • Hands-on experience with testbeds, HITL environments, or closed-loop simulation frameworks.
  • Experience with fault management logic, safing modes, and on-orbit anomaly investigation.
  • Prior experience working in fast-paced startups or NewSpace organizations. '

What You'll Get
  • Ownership - Build and validate the GNC capability that defines how our spacecraft maneuver, point, and operate autonomously.
  • Innovation - Shape next-generation GNC architectures, algorithms, and tools for high-agility missions.
  • Impact - Directly influence spacecraft controllability, autonomy, and mission success across cislunar and GEO operations.
  • Growth - Collaborate across avionics, FSW, systems, and mission ops, with opportunities to expand into dynamics modeling, autonomy, or flight operations.
  • Compensation - Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, HSA, 401(k) matching, and equity participation.

Location: Rockville, MD
Base Salary: $130,000 - $180,000
The salary range for this role is determined based on a variety of factors including work experience, education, technical expertise, certifications, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.
Additional Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

Apply