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Guidance Navigation Control Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

$82K - $107K/yr

Description Do you love developing and fielding advanced guidance, navigation, and control algorithms? Are you searching for important work in autonomous systems and robotics? Are you passionate ...

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Lockheed Martin Corporation

The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Subsystems and CoreSim Team is made up of enthusiastic and talented individuals that design and produce the hardware, algorithms, and software required to ...

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Guidance Navigation Control information

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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.

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer - Lead

SET Development

Broadlands, VA • Remote

$107K - $146K/yr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Senior Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Engineer – Lead

Long-Term Contract | Fully Remote (U.S.) 

Company

SET Development, LLC
SET Development is a premier aerospace engineering and consulting firm providing deep technical expertise across spacecraft systems, software, avionics, mission operations, and advanced space technologies. Our engineers support both commercial and government space programs, emphasizing technical excellence, collaboration, and long-term mission success.

Position Overview

SET Development is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer (Lead) to support spacecraft and satellite programs through full lifecycle GNC development. This role is a long-term independent contractor position, fully remote within the United States, with limited travel (up to 15%) as program needs require.

The Senior GNC Engineer will serve as a technical lead, contributing to system architecture, analysis, simulation, verification, and integration of spacecraft GNC solutions across multiple missions or platforms.

Key ResponsibilitiesGuidance, Navigation & Control Engineering
  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of GNC architectures for spacecraft and satellite systems.
  • Develop and analyze GNC algorithms for attitude determination, control, and navigation.
  • Model and evaluate spacecraft sensors and actuators.
  • Support GNC flight software development, integration, and verification.
  • Develop and support mission concepts of operations (CONOPS) and mission planning activities.
  • Participate in subsystem-level requirements development and flow-down, with attention to technical performance, manufacturability, and testability.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with systems engineering, software, hardware, AI&T, and mission operations teams.
  • Provide technical leadership across multiple programs or mission phases as required.
Simulation, Modeling & Analysis
  • Develop and maintain high-fidelity GNC simulations, including spacecraft dynamics and space environment models.
  • Support Monte Carlo analysis and performance trade studies.
  • Develop and validate software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments.
  • Support real-time and non-real-time simulation frameworks for verification and validation activities.
Additional Engineering Support
  • Contribute to the evolution and sustainment of SET Development’s spacecraft GNC capabilities and engineering practices.
  • Support design reviews, test readiness reviews, and technical documentation as required.
Required QualificationsEducation
  • Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Experience
  • Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in guidance, navigation, and control system analysis, design, and verification for spacecraft or satellite systems.
  • Demonstrated experience across multiple phases of the spacecraft development lifecycle.
Technical Skills
  • Advanced proficiency in MATLAB / Simulink, including simulation-based design and analysis.
  • Experience with automatic code generation and model-based testing.
  • Proficiency using Systems Tool Kit (STK) for mission analysis and visualization.
  • Strong experience modeling spacecraft dynamics, sensors, actuators, and control algorithms.
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices (SysML/UML).
  • Experience with software development, verification, and validation processes.
  • Working knowledge of object-oriented programming (e.g., C, C++) and scripting languages such as Python.
Work Location & Travel
  • Fully remote within the United States.
  • Up to 15% travel may be required to customer sites, partner facilities, or integration/test locations.
Employment Classification
  • Independent Contractor (long-term engagement).
  • This position does not include employee benefits, relocation assistance, or visa sponsorship.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • U.S. citizenship may be required for certain programs or customer requirements.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation.
  • Ability to participate in virtual meetings and teleconferences.
  • Ability to travel domestically as required.
Equal Opportunity Statement

SET Development, LLC is an Equal Opportunity organization. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

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