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GNC Engineer Jobs

Engineers who design and implement the systems that guide, navigate, and control spacecraft. A critical role in ensuring mission success and precision.

Open roles
5
Hiring companies
2
View 5 live roles → Get an alert

GNC Engineers are the architects of spacecraft movement and positioning. They design, develop, and test the systems that ensure spacecraft travel accurately and safely to their destinations. In the UK space sector, GNC Engineers work on a wide range of projects, from satellite constellations to interplanetary missions. These roles are often found in aerospace companies, research institutions, and government agencies, where precision and reliability are paramount.

What the role does

Inside the role of a GNC Engineer

A typical week for a GNC Engineer is a mix of design, simulation, and testing, with a focus on ensuring the spacecraft's navigation and control systems meet mission requirements.

  1. 01
    Conduct simulations to test navigation algorithms.
  2. 02
    Analyse data from recent tests and simulations.
  3. 03
    Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate GNC systems.
  4. 04
    Document and report on system performance and issues.
  5. 05
    Attend project meetings to discuss progress and challenges.
  6. 06
    Review and update design specifications and requirements.
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 5 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Python
80%
C++
60%
Simulink
40%
Orbital Mechanics
40%
Spacecraft Dynamics
40%
Kalman Filtering
40%
Sensor Fusion
40%
Control Systems
40%
MATLAB
40%
Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) Testing
40%
AOCS
20%
GNC
20%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for gnc engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior GNC Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assists in the design and testing of GNC systems, working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.

  2. Level 2

    GNC Engineer

    3–5 yrs

    Takes ownership of specific GNC system components, leading small teams and contributing to project planning.

  3. Level 3

    Senior GNC Engineer

    6–10 yrs

    Leads the design and implementation of complex GNC systems, managing larger teams and interfacing with clients and stakeholders.

  4. Level 4

    Principal GNC Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Oversees multiple GNC projects, providing strategic direction and technical leadership, and influencing industry standards and practices.

Pathway

How to become a GNC Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Academic Foundation

    Complete a degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

  2. 2

    Entry-Level Experience

    Gain practical experience through internships or entry-level roles in the aerospace industry.

  3. 3

    Specialisation in GNC

    Focus on GNC systems through specialised courses, certifications, and hands-on projects.

  4. 4

    Mid-Level Roles

    Take on more responsibility by leading specific GNC system components and managing small teams.

  5. 5

    Senior Leadership

    Advance to senior roles, overseeing entire GNC systems and leading larger teams.

  6. 6

    Strategic Leadership

    Achieve the highest levels of leadership, influencing industry standards and driving innovation in GNC technology.

Live jobs

5 live roles

GNC Engineer

The GNC Engineer will develop and validate advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for spacecraft, focusing on control algorithms, navigation solutions, and simulation environments. This role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support spacecraft operations and mission success.

Alexander Associates California, Stirling And Falkirk, United Kingdom £77,400 – £140,600 pa
On-site Permanent
Spire logo

GNC Engineer - Avionics

As a GNC/AOCS Engineer - Avionics at Spire, you will operate as part of a technical team who maintains responsibility across the full lifecycle of the Spire GNC product and its subcomponents. The GNC team interfaces directly with many engineering...

Spire Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom

Principal GNC Engineer

This role involves leading the development of a groundbreaking spacecraft GNC subsystem, from concept to mission operations. Responsibilities include mentoring a multidisciplinary team, designing advanced algorithms, and integrating hardware and software solutions.

Alexander Associates California, Stirling And Falkirk, United Kingdom £116,000 – £151,200 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Senior GNC Engineer

The Senior GNC Engineer will lead the design and development of Guidance, Navigation & Control systems for spacecraft, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to drive technical decisions and support mission-critical operations. Responsibilities include developing ADCS, performing spacecraft dynamics analysis, and mentoring junior engineers.

Alexander Associates Colorado, Brazil
On-site Permanent

Senior GNC Engineer

As a Senior GNC Engineer, you will develop advanced guidance, navigation, and control systems for autonomous spacecraft. Your responsibilities include designing and implementing state estimation algorithms, building guidance and control systems, and integrating these systems into real-time flight software. You will work closely with software, autonomy, and mission systems teams to deliver mission-critical capabilities.

Alexander Associates California, Stirling And Falkirk, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

Glasgow

Location
1 open
FAQs

Common questions

  • A degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required. Specialised courses and certifications in GNC systems are also beneficial.

  • Key skills include strong mathematical and analytical abilities, proficiency in simulation software, and excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

  • GNC Engineers work in a variety of settings, including aerospace companies, research institutions, and government agencies. They often collaborate with cross-functional teams and may work on-site or remotely.

  • Career progression typically starts with entry-level roles, moves through mid-level positions with increasing responsibility, and culminates in senior leadership roles overseeing entire GNC systems.

  • Salary ranges can vary based on experience, location, and employer. For more detailed information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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