Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer

Job Overview

The Guidance Analysis Department is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer 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, the Missile Defense Agency, and other civil customers such as NASA. The position is located in El Segundo, CA and requires at least 4 days onsite.

• Assess control system performance of launch, missile defense, and missile systems.
• 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 of launch vehicle and missile defense GNC systems.

• Master’s degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• 1 year or more of industry work experience.
• Working knowledge of control systems, inertial sensors, and actuators applicable to spacecraft and/or launch vehicles.
• Experience modeling dynamic systems.
• Proficiency with some of the following tools:
  Python, MATLAB, C++, Fortran.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to work location or customer site (domestically/internationally) as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

• Ph.D. degree from an accredited college/university program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Expertise in modeling and simulation of spacecraft or launch vehicles.
• Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to challenging technical problems.
• Active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
• 401(k) plan with 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 upon hire.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
• Relocation assistance.
• Professional growth and development programs.
• Education assistance programs.
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.

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 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.

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