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How much do guidance navigation control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for guidance navigation control in the United States is $54.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.55 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

More about Guidance Navigation Control jobs
What cities are hiring for Guidance Navigation Control jobs? Cities with the most Guidance Navigation Control job openings:
What states have the most Guidance Navigation Control jobs? States with the most job openings for Guidance Navigation Control jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Guidance Navigation Control jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Guidance Navigation Control jobs are:
Guidance Navigation Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Guidance Navigation Control job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,425 per year, or $54.5 per hour.
Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$117K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.
The Guidance Analysis Department is seeking an experienced Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer (Engineering Specialist - Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineering) to provide GNC support for launch vehicle, missile systems, and missile defense systems for a wide range of customers including the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers (e.g. NASA).
This position is onsite in El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.
What You'll Be Doing
  • Assess control system performance of launch, missile defense, and missile system
  • Perform linear and nonlinear control system analyses
  • Derive multi-body, flexible body dynamics equations for supported vehicles
  • Support multiple programs and work independently with both internal and external customers as a technical authority, consultant, primary investigator, or project leader
  • Provide oversight, guidance, and technical advice on customer projects, which may include specialized analytical and experimental studies launch vehicle and missile defense GNC systems

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
  • Bachelor's in a STEM field
  • 6 or more years of experience in GNC systems
  • Experience with guidance, navigation & control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators applicable to spacecraft and/or launch vehicles
  • Experience performing technical tasks, leading technical teams, and effectively supporting multiple programs, customers, and contractors
  • Proficiency with some of the following tools: MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, Python, Fortran
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
  • Advanced degree in STEM field or equivalent
  • Expertise in modeling and simulation of spacecraft or launch vehicles
  • Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems
  • Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of customer, corporate staff, and contractors
  • Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the US government, is highly desirable. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300.00 - $175,900.00
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:
  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.

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