Job Description
Job Title:  Guidance, Navigation, & Control Manager
Posting Start Date:  8/27/26
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Job Description: 

Standard Job Description

About Lockheed Martin Space:

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity. Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.

About the Role:

As the GNC Lead for Space Development Agency (SDA) Programs, you will establish the guidance, navigation, and control solution for one of our country's most vital, fast-paced, and complex Space Systems. You will serve as the primary technical lead for critical Guidance, Navigation, and Control design and analysis engineering activities. The SDA programs cover vital tactical communications, as well as next-generation missile launch warning and tracking capabilities for the US Government

In this role, you will:
• Lead engineers supporting GNC algorithm development and test activities, associated IRAD, and concept studies across the program.
• Provide technical and management oversight to all GNC planning, requirements generation, software verification and validation (V&V) activities, and pre/post-test support.
• Serve as the primary liaison with other engineering disciplines, lines of business, corporate contacts, and execution of enterprise initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the software team to develop flight-worthy code based on GNC algorithm prototypes.
• Use your excellent communication skills to work across the Lockheed Martin organization and customer/user community to ensure consensus and understanding of GNC performance.
• Support and lead teams providing technical expertise in launching and maintaining large operational constellations.
• Develop and create innovative solutions for special studies, proposals, and support efforts extending beyond core SDA missions.

Successful applicants generally have at least 8+ years of related experience and may have a post-secondary degree or training in a related discipline, such as Aerospace Engineering or other related field. 


The information below reflects the standard job description for this position:
Manages the design, development, implementation, verification and testing of algorithms to perform guidance, navigation and control of aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles and upper stages during powered and coast phases of flight, earth orbit, interplanetary cruise and orbital insertion, as well as during staging events. Navigation functions include the statistical processing of measured data points and their substitution into algorithms simulating physical reality. Guidance functions include the formulation of specific equations and control laws to achieve a desired position in space. Control design and analyses processes consist of the development of the control requirements for aircraft, launch vehicles and/or spacecraft. Responsible for coordinating subordinate employee recruitment, selection and training, performance assessment, work assignments, salary, and recognition/disciplinary actions.

Basic Qualifications

Skill Requirements:
• Experience leading small engineering teams, coordinating daily tasking, budgets, and schedules.
• Broad technical skills including rigid body dynamics, control theory, and computer programming.
• Experience supporting the development of flight vehicle GNC architectures.
• Experience planning and conducting GNC performance and simulation analysis.
• Strong team collaboration, communication, and presentation skills.

Security Clearance / Work Authorization:
• To meet requirements of the program/customer, this position requires the selected employee to be a U.S. Citizen.
• Although not required to start, selected candidates will be required to obtain a government issued Top Secret clearance for long term employment on this program

Desired Skills

• Related Program or Project experience with large operational constellations or rapid-delivery space systems.
• Experience leading technical teams and coordinating work across disciplines to achieve a common goal.
• High proficiency in engineering tools including MATLAB and Simulink, with exposure to C/C++ or Python.
• Experience with 6-Degree of Freedom (6DOF) simulations and physics-based modeling.
• Demonstrated experience with the analysis of feedback control systems, closed-loop guidance, or navigation algorithms.
• Experience with model-based software development using Simulink (including autocoding).
• Experience developing robust, production-level flight software from GNC algorithm prototypes.
• Recognized as an authority in Guidance, Navigation, and Control algorithms with the demonstrated ability to apply them to a wide range of complex problems and train others in their application.
• Demonstrated experience in the full product lifecycle: requirements generation, design, integration, qualification, verification, and validation of GNC algorithms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong social skills, and the ability to build consensus among peers while building solid relationships with team members.
• Ability to thrive and work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team environment.
• Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant Dynamics and Controls coursework

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Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $166900.00 - $309900.00

At  Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.  

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

  • Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
  • For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.