Principal or Sr. Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer

Posted 5 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
2 Locations
In-Office
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Design, develop, verify, and test guidance, navigation, and control algorithms, software, simulations, and control laws for air vehicles. Develop linear and nonlinear dynamic models, integrate hardware- and software-in-the-loop simulations, conduct control-system trade studies, support design reviews, analyze flight-test data, and assist with flight-test activities. The role is fully onsite and requires a Secret clearance and eligibility for Special Program Access.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal or Sr. Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer to join our Advanced GNC team in Rancho Bernardo, CA or El Segundo, CA.

Essential Functions:

  • Design, develop, implement, verify and test algorithms, software and simulation tools to perform guidance, navigation and control (GNC).
  • Develop control laws to meet air vehicle performance, flying qualities and stability margin requirements, both on ground and in flight.
  • Develop air vehicle system linear and non-linear dynamic simulation models and integrate models into software and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments.
  • Develop modern control laws, conduct trade studies on unconventional control effectors.
  • Work on unusually complex design technical problems and drive innovative solutions.
  • Develop analysis to support design reviews at different stages in a development program, such as PDR, CDR, etc.
  • Analyze air vehicle flight test data and support flight test activities.

This position requires 100% on-site work. Telework/hybrid schedule is not allowed. The anticipated travel for this role is approximately 20% - 25%.

This position may be filled at either the Principal GNC Engineer level or the Senior Principal GNC level, depending upon the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications for Principal GNC Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline with 5 years of relevant experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant experience.
  • Must have experience on a team of GNC engineers.
  • Must be proficient in and have experience with Matlab, Simulink, and autocoding Simulink models.
  • Active US Government Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP).

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal GNC Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 6 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in related STEM discipline with 4 years of relevant experience.
  • Must have experience on a team of GNC engineers.
  • Must be proficient in and have experience with Matlab, Simulink, and autocoding Simulink models.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret (or Top Secret, depending upon program need) clearance prior to commencement of employment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP).

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:

  • Active US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance (highly preferred)
  • Special Program Access
  • Experience with NGAS Common Products Core VMS GNC modelling
  • Knowledge of C/C++, Java, Python
  • Knowledgeable in the area of flight sciences, control law development, and control system analysis.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

The 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 in a related STEM discipline and 5 years of relevant experience, or master's degree and 3 years, or PhD and 1 year for the Principal level
  • Bachelor's degree in a related STEM discipline and 8 years of relevant experience, or master's degree and 6 years, or PhD and 4 years for the Senior Principal level
  • Experience working on a team of guidance, navigation, and control engineers
  • Proficiency and experience with MATLAB, Simulink, and autocoding Simulink models
  • Active US Government Secret clearance for the Principal level
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance for the Senior Principal level
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access
  • Experience with NGAS Common Products Core VMS GNC modeling
  • Knowledge of C, C++, Java, and Python
  • Knowledge of flight sciences, control law development, and control-system analysis
  • Active US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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