Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Emerging Capabilities Development organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered by providing an innovative technological capabilities across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector is seeking a Staff Navigation Systems Engineer to join our diverse and talented team in the design and implementation of model-based navigation software. This role will be filled at our Woodland Hills, CA site. As a Staff Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of innovation.
What You’ll get to Do:
Architect and guide the implementation of cutting‑edge navigation algorithms, software, and system integrations.
Define and execute the technical roadmap for navigation‑performance analysis across lab and flight‑test environments.
Own communication channels with program leadership, external customers, and cross‑functional partners.
Champion collaborations with internal and external experts to pioneer next‑generation navigation and timing technologies.
Lead a multidisciplinary team of navigation and timing specialists in a collaborative, high‑performing culture.
Represent Northrop Grumman at premier technical conferences, industry working groups, and customer briefings.
Mentor emerging talent and drive best‑practice adoption across the organization.
This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract Award.
Basic Qualifications for a Staff Navigation Systems Engineer:
Bachelor’s Degree in STEM discipline with 12 years of Engineering experience; Masters in STEM discipline with 10 years of Engineering experience; PhD in STEM discipline with 8 years of Engineering experience
Expertise in Sensor Fusion for Navigation Systems using IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), GPS, barometers, and other sensors.
Expertise in advanced state-estimation algorithms such as Extended Kalman Filtering, Unscented Kalman Filtering, Particle Filtering.
Expertise in INS (Inertial Navigation System) mechanizations.
Expertise in Embedded INS/GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation systems.
Expertise in multi-sensor synchronization and calibration.
Expertise in noise modeling and covariance tuning.
Expertise in state estimation for position, velocity, and attitude determination.
U.S. Citizenship is required
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance is required
Ability to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills, CA
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with Assured Position Navigation & Timing (APNT) solutions for GPS Denied Environments.
Familiarity of signal selection, acquisition and tracking, Position, Velocity, and Time (PVT) calculation, data demodulation, signal correction.
Familiarity with algorithm development for satellite acquisition, tracking, and receiver measurement formation
Familiarity with military navigation modernization particularly M-code signal processing and capabilities.
Familiarity with design of tracking loops, including characterization of platform dynamics, environmental/interference effects.
Familiarity with Timing and Distributed Clock Algorithms.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's in STEM with 12 years engineering experience, Master's with 10 years, or PhD with 8 years
- Expertise in sensor fusion for navigation systems using IMU, GPS, barometers, and other sensors
- Expertise in advanced state-estimation algorithms (Extended Kalman Filter, Unscented Kalman Filter, Particle Filter)
- Expertise in INS mechanizations
- Expertise in Embedded INS/GPS navigation systems
- Expertise in multi-sensor synchronization and calibration
- Expertise in noise modeling and covariance tuning
- Expertise in state estimation for position, velocity, and attitude determination
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance
- Ability to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills, CA
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.








