Guidance Navigation & Control Engineers (Senior or Principal)

The Boeing Company; Seal Beach (CA); On-site; USD 183,000 - 298,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boeing Company’s Defense, Space & Security ESG in Seal Beach/El Segundo, CA, seeks Senior or Principal Guidance Navigation & Control Engineers to prototype, develop, and field space capabilities. You will design GN&C algorithms, build high-fidelity simulations, implement flight software, and support flight test in space environments while leading project teams.

This role demands deep expertise, cross‑functional collaboration, a security clearance, and a proven track record of delivering

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement
• Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is required
• Level 5: 14+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Engineering experience with spacecraft
• Experience using MATLAB and Simulink
• Experience developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft
• Develop and maintain 6‑DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment
• Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics
• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization
• Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on‑orbit operations
• Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents
• Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders
• Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations
• Lead engineering project teams, mentor engineers and advance job practices and techniques as it relates to GN&C

Skills

GN&C leadership

Mentoring

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Job description

Job Description

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s Experimental Systems Group (ESG) is hiring Guidance Navigation & Control Engineers (Senior or Principal) to join our team in Seal Beach or El Segundo, CA.

These positions are to help rapidly prototype, develop, and field novel space capabilities. ESG delivers first-of-kind solutions for customers in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment, including the X-37B, the world’s first fully autonomous, reusable spaceplane. You will design GN&C algorithms, build high‑fidelity simulations, implement and test flight software, and support integration and flight test in space environments. You will develop advanced technical capabilities and lead engineering project teams.

Position Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and verify guidance, navigation, and control algorithms for spacecraft

• Develop and maintain 6‑DOF dynamics simulations and associated analysis tools for mission and performance assessment

• Implement and validate GN&C flight software (MATLAB/Simulink models and C/C++ prototypes) and integrate with testbeds and avionics

• Apply astrodynamics and flight mechanics to mission design, novel orbit concepts, and trajectory optimization

• Develop powered and unpowered guidance laws and autonomy tools for on‑orbit operations

• Support troubleshooting of operational anomalies, functional tests, and service incidents

• Produce concepts of operations, simulation artifacts, and test procedures to enable rapid iteration from prototype to flight test

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (systems engineering, avionics, test, and business development) and communicate technical tradeoffs to stakeholders

• Independently identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and implement reusable tools and automations

• Lead engineering project teams, mentor engineers and advance job practices and techniques as it relates to GN&C

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement

• Active Tier 5 (T5) Clearance, formerly known as Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is required

• Level 5: 14+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Engineering experience with spacecraft

• Experience using MATLAB and Simulink

• Experience developing GN&C algorithms, models and simulations.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

• Level 6: 20+ years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience

• Ability to work effectively in broad, minimally defined design spaces and to communicate technical results clearly

• Experience with spacecraft operations, space environment effects

• Programming experience in C/C++ or comparable languages sufficient to implement and test GN&C algorithms

• Familiarity with state estimation and sensor fusion (e.g., Kalman filters), GPS/INS

• Background in classical and modern control theory and nonlinear control design

• Model‑based development experience and flight test support.

• Leadership skills to lead and influence positive outcomes

• Previous experience leading, mentoring, and engaging individuals and teams

• Experience providing active mentorship and career guidance

Conflict of Interest:

Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary pay range Senior (Level 5): $182,750.00 - $247,250.00

Summary pay range Principal (Level 6): $220,150.00 - $297,850.00

Applications for this position will be accepted until Sept. 26, 2026

Export Control Requirements:

This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

Export Control Details:

US based job, US Person required

Education

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Required

Relocation

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Security Clearance

This position requires a current Tier 5 (T5), formerly known as a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) (U.S. Citizenship required) or requires candidate agreed to enter a Continuous Evaluation program.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

This position is for 1st shift

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.