Senior GNC Engineer - Air Platform / Missile Systems

Location: Washington, DC - Naval Research Laboratory

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer – Air Platform / Missile Systems

TSC is seeking a highly skilled Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to lead the development of precision flight control, guidance, and navigation algorithms for next‑generation missile and advanced air‑platform systems. This position plays a critical role in shaping system‑level performance, informing requirements, and guiding technical strategy across the full development lifecycle.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise designing and analyzing GNC architectures, developing high‑fidelity 6‑DOF simulations, integrating advanced navigation solutions, and validating algorithms through Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HWIL) and flight testing. This onsite role at the Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, DC) requires daily collaboration with government scientists, program managers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and tuning of guidance laws, flight control algorithms, and navigation filters
• Develop and maintain high‑fidelity 6‑DOF time‑domain simulations to characterize system performance, evaluate mission effectiveness, and drive requirements allocation.
• Integrate GPS/INS navigation solutions and seeker‑based measurements, including sensor fusion and denied‑environment navigation techniques.
• Inform system and mission‑level requirements, supporting Systems Engineering in defining Technical Performance Metrics, and stability/control criteria.
• Conduct Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HWIL) testing, bench testing, and flight‑test algorithm validation; analyze test telemetry and generate performance assessments.
• Mentor junior GNC engineers and provide technical leadership across modeling, simulation, implementation, and verification activities.

Requirements:

• US Citizenship with an active DoD Secret clearance and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering field
• Minimum 8 years of direct experience developing GNC algorithms for missiles, air platforms, or other advanced aerospace systems
• Expert proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C++, and model‑based design workflows
• Hands‑on experience developing 6‑DOF simulations, HWIL environments, and flight‑test validated GNC algorithms
• Experience in integrating and evaluating INS/GPS navigation, seekers, and multisensor fusion techniques

• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to interface effectively with technical teams, and senior decision‑makers

Preferred Requirements:

• Background in hypersonic vehicle GNC, high‑speed aerodynamics, or aerothermal‑affected flight control
• Familiarity with configuration management tools, version control workflows, and multidisciplinary engineering environments

In compliance with applicable pay transparency laws, the expected salary range for this position is $130,000 – $185,000 per year, depending on experience and location. This role is also eligible for an annual performance bonus and may include equity or incentive compensation as part of the total rewards package

TSC Benefits:

TSC offers a stable work environment, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefit package; including ESOP participation, 401k Plan, Flexible Work Schedules, Tuition Reimbursement, Co-Sponsored Health Plan, Paid Leave and much more. 

Applying to TSC:

Only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted. Employment at TSC is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, security investigation, and a drug screening.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consider

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60–1.4(a), 60–300.5(a) and 60–741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or for inquiring about, discussing, or disclosing information about compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.