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Guidance Navigation Control Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Space GNC Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

SSI is seeking a Space Attitude Control System (ACS) / Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to our customer in Chantilly ...

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Space GNC Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

SSI is seeking a Space Attitude Control System (ACS) / Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer to provide Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) support to our customer in Chantilly ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Overview The Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer position is a full-time exempt position. The individual will support the development of GNC modeling and simulation tools and ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Overview The Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer position is a full-time exempt position. The individual will support the development of GNC modeling and simulation tools and ...

Senior GNC Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

... Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer position is a full-time exempt position. The individual will support the development of GNC modeling and simulation tools and algorithms, perform GNC ...

Design and develop Linux applications for satellite flight systems, including command and data handling, power, communications, and guidance/navigation/control systems * Create embedded software to ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 cities in Washington are hiring for Guidance Navigation Control jobs?

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

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.

2027 Guidance Navigation and Control Intern Dulles VA

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA • On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: NoDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you'll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you'll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you've done.

Northrop Grumman is seeking Guidance Navigation and Control to join the Space Systems Intern Program. This position will be located in Dulles, VA.

GNC is designing, building, testing spacecraft components for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites. We are seeking a highly-talented and ambitious Engineer to take responsibility for the attitude control solutions that meet our spacecraftrequirements. The spacecraft GNC analysis engineer will work within the GNC subsystem team and under the supervision of the GNC subsystem lead.
Depending on the engineer's strengths and areas of interest, an engineer may choose to focus on one of two areas GNC analysis or GNC components (or some combination).
A spacecraft GNC analysis engineer is expected to:
Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques
Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g. Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation
Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools
Implement GNC algorithms in flight software and support flight software qualification testing
Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, and predicted performance assessments
Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g. star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g. reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g. rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models), and the space environment (e.g. atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential)
A spacecraft GNC component engineer is expected to:
Perform GNC component trade studies (including make/buy trades and supplier identification/research). These components may include but are not limited to star cameras, lidars, GPS receivers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, IR cameras, and space based visible cameras.
Work with the subcontracts/supply chain team as the technical lead to manage procurements including documentation and design reviews
Work with the team to integrate and test all spacecraft GNC components
Work closely with multiple suppliers, across multiple subsystems, presenting to managers and customers. Communication is a key element of your role
All GNC engineers are expected to:
Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals
Document designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials
Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
Work well within small- to medium-sized groups

Basic Qualifications:

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university AND graduating after Fall 2027

  • Be majoring in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

  • Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance

  • MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.7

  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++

  • Experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing

  • Experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems

  • Prior work experience in related field

  • Proficiency in Microsoft office suite, version control tools such as SVN or Git

  • Experience with Model Based Systems engineering, digital transformation tools such as the Atlassian suite.

  • Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities is desired

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939