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Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

InvestedintheMission

NY · On-site

As part of a hardworking team of engineers, you will join our Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN ... Derive spacecraft guidance designs from mission level trajectory designs * Coordinate performance ...

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Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer information

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$42K

$108.6K

$165K

How much do spacecraft guidance navigation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for spacecraft guidance navigation engineer in the United States is $108,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer do?

A Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing the systems that control a spacecraft’s trajectory and orientation during its mission. They ensure the spacecraft can accurately navigate from launch to its destination, and perform necessary maneuvers in space. This involves working with sensors, control algorithms, and software to guide the spacecraft, as well as collaborating with other engineers to integrate these systems into the overall spacecraft design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer?

To thrive as a Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace engineering, orbital mechanics, and control theory, usually supported by at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Proficiency with simulation tools like MATLAB/Simulink, GN&C software, and familiarity with programming languages such as C++ or Python is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in design reviews and mission-critical operations. These competencies ensure precise spacecraft trajectory control and mission success in the highly technical and collaborative environment of space missions.

What are some common challenges faced by Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineers during mission operations?

Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring precise trajectory control in the presence of unexpected disturbances, like space weather or onboard hardware anomalies. They must also troubleshoot real-time navigation errors, coordinate solutions with multidisciplinary teams, and adapt quickly to mission updates or new constraints. Effective communication and strong problem-solving skills are critical, as these engineers frequently collaborate with mission control, systems engineers, and software developers to maintain spacecraft safety and mission objectives.

What is the difference between Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer vs Spacecraft Systems Engineer?

AspectSpacecraft Guidance Navigation EngineerSpacecraft Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and implementing guidance, navigation, and control systems for spacecraftOverseeing overall spacecraft system integration and functionality
Required SkillsNavigation algorithms, control systems, orbital mechanicsSystems engineering, integration, testing, and project management
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, mission control, aerospace companiesDesign offices, project teams, aerospace firms
CertificationsTypically none specific, but aerospace engineering credentials preferredSystems engineering certifications (e.g., INCOSE)

While both roles are vital in spacecraft development, the Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer specializes in navigation and control systems, ensuring precise spacecraft movement. The Spacecraft Systems Engineer oversees the entire spacecraft system integration, focusing on overall functionality and mission success. Both roles often collaborate closely but differ in their core responsibilities and expertise areas.

What are popular job titles related to Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer jobs?

For Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Guidance Navigation Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 24% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,638 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Spacecraft GNC Integration & Test Engineer

Rockville, MD • On-site

Quantum Space
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Quantum Spaceexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 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 GNC Integration & Test Engineer to lead integration, verification, validation, and hardware testing of the Guidance, Navigation & Control subsystem. In this role, you will own GNC hardware integration, anomaly resolution, and subsystem verification from component integration through flight acceptance. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working where simulation meets flight hardware.
Where You'll Make an Impact
  • Own integration, verification, validation, and flight acceptance of the spacecraft Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) subsystem from engineering development through spacecraft delivery.
  • Develop, document, execute, and automate GNC verification procedures supporting subsystem, system, qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing.
  • Plan and execute GNC hardware characterization and calibration activities, including inertial sensor characterization (Allan variance, bias instability, and angular random walk), sensor alignment, timing synchronization and phasing, and spacecraft magnetic characterization campaigns.
  • Develop and operate Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), FlatSat, and closed-loop simulation environments to verify flight software and spacecraft behavior.
  • Integrate and validate spacecraft sensors, actuators, avionics, propulsion, and flight software while troubleshooting hardware, software, and system-level anomalies.
  • Correlate high-fidelity simulation results with hardware test data to validate GNC algorithms, dynamic models, estimation performance, and control system behavior.
  • Perform Monte Carlo analyses and mission-level performance assessments to verify spacecraft operating modes, robustness, and requirements compliance across expected uncertainties and disturbances.
  • Analyze spacecraft telemetry and test data to identify root cause, recommend corrective actions, and improve GNC subsystem performance throughout integration, environmental test, and flight operations.
  • Develop verification evidence supporting requirements closure and participate in technical reviews.
  • Collaborate closely with systems, flight software, avionics, propulsion, mission design, and mission operations teams to deliver a fully verified and flight-ready spacecraft.

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, and classical/modern control theory.
  • Experience with sensor fusion for spacecraft-relevant sensors (IMUs, star trackers, sun sensors, GNSS, ranging sensors).
  • Experience developing, documenting, executing, and following formal test procedures and verification plans
  • Hands-on experience testing attitude control system hardware and ability to troubleshoot issues encountered during integration and test activities
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret technical data and recommend corrective actions
  • Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary engineering teams, with strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical issues and risks.
  • Proficiency with engineering analysis and simulation tools such as C++, MATLAB/Simulink, Python.
  • Experience conducting Monte Carlo analyses to verify spacecraft operating modes, mission performance, and system robustness under varying conditions and uncertainties.
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced, hardware-integrated environment with shifting priorities.

Nice-to-Have Experience
  • Hands-on experience with testbeds, HITL environments, or closed-loop simulation frameworks.
  • Experience supporting spacecraft integration, verification, validation, and environmental testing
  • Experience with requirements verification and validation using systems engineering processes.
  • Knowledge of aerospace industry standards and best practices for spacecraft testing and verification.
  • 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 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.
  • 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.

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