Senior Guidance, Navigation and Control Engineer
Lockheed Martin Services
Littleton, CO · Posted October 28, 2026
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Where Littleton, CO ranks
Where Littleton, CO placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #2Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the Mountain West23% · of 16
- #2Best cities for AI-skill jobs in the Mountain West21% · of 19
- #3Best cities for mid-career professionals in the Mountain West60% · of 19
- #5Best cities for software and engineering jobs in the Mountain West207 openings · of 22
- #6Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills23% · of 100
- #7Best college towns for junior jobs in the Mountain West30% · of 14
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among aerospace engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for aerospace engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
Standard Job Description
We are searching for a Controls Research Scientist to join our exceptional team. In this role you will support spacecraft and missile programs by performing research, analysis, design and development of control systems algorithms, software and hardware. Some areas of responsibility include:
• Inertial guidance systems • Advanced control and stabilization concepts • Pointing and trajectory control • Target detection, tracking, and filtering
We are seeking someone who demonstrates genuine interest in these subjects and who is eager to be mentored by a respected expert in the field. You should demonstrate the ability able to work effectively and thrive in a collaborative, multi-disciplinary environment. You will have strong communication skills, an excellent analytic skill set enjoy working in a dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.
You would typically have a related Masters degree with 3 or more years of professional experience, or a Bachelors with 5 or more years, or equivalent experience/combined education.
Performs research and/or product development encompassing multiple engineering disciplines, such as electronics, electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical. Supports the development of theories for understanding, characterizing and organizing natural phenomena into a systematic and meaningful pattern and leverages these developments to advance project and evaluate emerging technologies. May participate in intellectual property evaluations and development of patent applications. May participate in interdepartmental activities and research efforts.
Standard Job Description Performs research and/or product development encompassing multiple engineering disciplines, such as electronics, electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical. Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
Basic Qualifications
Active Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain & maintain SCI Eligibility
Experience with pointing control systems and controls architecture design, including pointing budgets
Proficient with Matlab/Simulink
Real-time software programming (e.g., C/C++ or similar)
Math background to include linear algebra, matrix math, and/or 3D coordinate transforms
Experience in Inertial Navigation algorithm development for missile and spacecraft platforms
Experience in Kalman Filter tuning and development for filtering, estimation, and tracking
Strong experience evaluating novel technologies, fast prototyping, feasibility studies, specification and implementation of product component
Desired Skills
Experience in SysML and Model Based Systems Engineering/Model Based Systems Architecture
Deep knowledge of multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) controls and advanced control methods.
Experience working in Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking programs on algorithm modeling and simulation
Experience implementing real-time simulation in a hardware-in-the-loop laboratory
Experience with some of the following: image and sensor processing algorithms, target tracking algorithms, physics-based modeling or electro-optical sensors
Digital Signal Processing, including frequency domain analysis and digital filtering
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Experience advancing the state-of-the-art, including (but not limited to) generating patents and publications in top journals and conferences.
Experience leading and writing funding proposals for research grants/programs
Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
Current TS/SCI security clearance
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $110300.00 - $204900.00
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.