Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a GNC Engineer: Actuators (Level 3 or 4) to join our Flight Sciences group within Guidance, Navigation, Control and Software (GNCSW) Engineering in Chandler, Arizona. In this full‑time, on‑site role, you will immediately contribute to actuation systems for launch vehicle and space development programs.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Due to the nature of this work, this role is 100% on-site.
Your Role and Impact:
- Develop, maintain, and apply linear and nonlinear actuator system models in MATLAB, Simulink, C++, and Python
- Perform analysis and simulation of electromechanical and electro-hydraulic actuation systems
- Support design/analysis of actuator control systems, including PID control approaches
- Compare simulation results to actuator test data, identify discrepancies, and update models to improve correlation
- Support the development of actuator performance requirements and review actuator test data
- Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to support program objectives
- Other duties as assigned
If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications – Level 3:
- Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
- Hands-on experience in actuator analysis, actuator modeling and simulation, controls analysis, or actuation systems engineering
- Experience with electromechanical and/or electro-hydraulic actuation systems
- Experience developing, maintaining, or correlating actuator models against test data
- Experience with control system analysis or design, including PID-based control approaches
- Experience with C++, MATLAB, Simulink, and Python
- Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance
Basic Qualifications – Level 4:
- Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
- Hands-on experience in actuator analysis, actuator modeling and simulation, controls analysis, or actuation systems engineering
- Experience with electromechanical and/or electro-hydraulic actuation systems
- Experience developing, maintaining, or correlating actuator models against test data
- Experience with control system analysis or design, including PID-based control approaches
- Experience with C++, MATLAB, Simulink, and Python
- Ability to operate innovatively and independently with minimal direction
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience supporting production and fielded actuator system anomaly investigations
- Experience developing actuator performance requirements and supporting specification development
- Experience reviewing actuator test data and resolving model-to-test discrepancies
- Experience with Linux operating systems
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills
- Active DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
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Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience, master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year; an additional 4+ years of experience may substitute for the degree for Level 3
- Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience, master's degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years; an additional 4+ years of experience may substitute for the degree for Level 4
- Hands-on experience in actuator analysis, actuator modeling and simulation, controls analysis, or actuation systems engineering
- Experience with electromechanical and/or electro-hydraulic actuation systems
- Experience developing, maintaining, or correlating actuator models against test data
- Experience with control system analysis or design, including PID-based control approaches
- Experience with C++, MATLAB, Simulink, and Python
- Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret security clearance
- Ability to operate innovatively and independently with minimal direction for Level 4
- Experience supporting production and fielded actuator system anomaly investigations
- Experience developing actuator performance requirements and supporting specification development
- Experience reviewing actuator test data and resolving model-to-test discrepancies
- Experience with Linux operating systems
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills
- Active DoD Secret security clearance or higher
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.









