An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you’ll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you’ll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you’ve done.
Northrop Grumman is seeking Guidance Navigation and Control to join the Space Systems Intern Program. This position will be located in Dulles, VA.
GNC is designing, building, testing spacecraft components for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites. We are seeking a highly-talented and ambitious Engineer to take responsibility for the attitude control solutions that meet our spacecraft requirements. The spacecraft GNC analysis engineer will work within the GNC subsystem team and under the supervision of the GNC subsystem lead.
Depending on the engineer’s strengths and areas of interest, an engineer may choose to focus on one of two areas GNC analysis or GNC components (or some combination).
A spacecraft GNC analysis engineer is expected to:
•Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques
•Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g. Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation
•Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools
•Implement GNC algorithms in flight software and support flight software qualification testing
•Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, and predicted performance assessments
•Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g. star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g. reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g. rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models), and the space environment (e.g. atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential)
A spacecraft GNC component engineer is expected to:
•Perform GNC component trade studies (including make/buy trades and supplier identification/research). These components may include but are not limited to star cameras, lidars, GPS receivers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, IR cameras, and space based visible cameras.
•Work with the subcontracts/supply chain team as the technical lead to manage procurements including documentation and design reviews
•Work with the team to integrate and test all spacecraft GNC components
•Work closely with multiple suppliers, across multiple subsystems, presenting to managers and customers. Communication is a key element of your role
All GNC engineers are expected to:
•Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals
•Document designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials
•Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
•Work well within small- to medium-sized groups
Basic Qualifications:
A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:
Be enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university AND graduating after Fall 2027
Be majoring in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027
Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math
Minimum overall GPA of 3.7
Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++
Experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing
Experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems
Prior work experience in related field
Proficiency in Microsoft office suite, version control tools such as SVN or Git
Experience with Model Based Systems engineering, digital transformation tools such as the Atlassian suite.
Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities is desired
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
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Skills Required
- Currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university, graduating after Fall 2027
- Majoring in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
- Available to work full-time, 40 hours per week, for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027
- Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
- MS or PhD in engineering, physics, or mathematics
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.7
- Proficiency in MATLAB and Simulink
- Proficiency in C and C++
- Experience with spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing
- Experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems
- Prior work experience in a related field
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with SVN or Git version control
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering and Atlassian Suite tools
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
