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Guidance Navigation Control information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) 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 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 (GNC) Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC) Engineer

Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC) Engineer

Technology Service Corporation (TSC)

Arlington, VA • On-site

$96K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

TSC is seeking a remote based Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC) Engineer that will design, integrate, test, and deliver flight control systems or mission-critical onboard software for unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The ideal candidate will have experience in UAS Guidance, Navigation, & Control (GNC) utilizing inertial navigation, vision, collision avoidance, commercial autopilots, redundancy management and path planning architecture. The GNC Engineer will participate hands-on in the full software life cycle, from concept through implementation, integration to flight test and operational release. This position in onsite based in Crystal City, VA with up to 25% travel required.
As a GNC Engineer you can anticipate some of your day-to-day responsibilities to include:
  • Work on a team to develop, modify and tune guidance and control systems for fixed wing aircraft
  • Work on a team to develop, modify and tune navigation systems based on sensor fusion of 6-DOF IMU, magnetometer, GNSS, pressure and ranging sensors.
  • Work on a team to develop and modify 6-DOF and Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation environments
  • Simulation, analysis, control, and testing on 6 degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) motion platform for development and validation of autonomous UAS.
  • Work on a team to design and develop flight or mission-critical onboard software for unmanned systems
  • Aid development for unmanned aerospace includes guidance, navigation & control, mission sequencing, payload control, redundancy and contingency management, uplink and downlink packet encoding and decoding, converting between different serial protocols, hardware-in-the-loop simulation, ground-based GUIs, and aircraft subsystem control (i.e., payload, electrical systems)
  • Embedded Software development (C/C++, Python, shell scripts)

Writing/modifying software to adjust flight behaviors:
  • Use development tools such as: JIRA, git, C/C++, CMake, Linux, MATLAB
  • Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary software team on large, multi-language projects
  • Participating in code reviews, Flight Testing, and Customer Presentations
  • Bench test, Hardware-in-the-loop, and field testing of UAS platforms
  • Local, interstate, and international travel to support field testing and customer demonstrations. Expected travel is ~10-25%.
  • Collaborate with other engineering disciplines (Systems, Software, Mechanical, Electrical) in planning, design and development of systems to ensure software and hardware performance and compatibility
  • Design software architecture, interfaces, and gateways for communication with external Autonomy software services. Implement functionality using a model-based approach.
  • Software verification and validation including writing Test Cases and Test Procedures
  • Develop, implement, and document data and software application test plans to validate project deliverables meet quality standards
  • Oversee and support processes and procedures for existing data and reporting activities to support internal and external customer deliverables.
  • Examples of specific deliverables include but are not limited to: recurring reports and analyses; data validation and documentation
  • Interface and derive solutions in coordination with hardware design teams

Required Qualifications
  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Controls engineering or other relevant discipline, plus at minimum 5 years of experience in a professional environment developing MATLAB / Simulink control systems with auto code experience; or MS in Controls or Aerospace Engineering plus 2 years' experience. Embedded code experience preferred.
  • US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • Experience in developing physics based 6 DOF simulations, motion platforms.
  • Experience developing with: Gazebo or similar simulation tools, MatlabMATLAB/Simulink, C, C++, Python
  • Experience developing scripts to run batch processes
  • Experience in data post processing from simulation or flight testing, report summary writing
  • Experience developing guidance and autonomy algorithms required; in denied environments preferred

Preferred Experience
Minimum two years of demonstrated, hands-on professional experience in at least one (ideally a combination) of the following areas:
  • Model-based design and/or test using the Simulink/Stateflow tool chain.
  • Software development in a relevant subject matter area: Aircraft Guidance Navigation & Control or other robotic system guidance, navigation and control; ground- or airborne mission systems; general aerospace flight control or cockpit avionics systems; ground stations; payload control.
  • Development/operations of hardware-in-the-loop simulators, conducting testing and troubleshooting of HW/SW interfaces.
  • Familiarity with software configuration management tools, version control systems, defect tracking tools, and peer review required.

TSC Benefits: TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including ESOP participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more.
Applying to TSC: Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.
This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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