Principal Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer - Space / Satellite Systems (Dulles, VA)

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.

We have an opening for a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Tactical Space organization. This position will be located in Dulles, VA.

In this role you will design, develop, implement, verify, and test algorithms, software, and simulation tools to perform guidance, navigation, and control of aircraft, spacecraft, submersibles, surface ships, missiles, launch vehicles, and upper stages during powered and coast phases of launch, flight, earth orbit, interplanetary cruise, and orbital insertion as well as during staging events.

Navigation functions include the statistical processing of measured data points and their substitution into algorithms simulating physical reality. Guidance functions include the formulation of specific equations to achieve a desired position, orientation, or orbit in space. Control design and analysis processes consist of the development of the control laws and hardware and software requirements for aircraft, launch vehicles, and/or spacecraft.

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 trackers, lidars, GPS receivers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, IR cameras, inertia reference units, and space based visible cameras
• Work with the subcontracts/supply chain team as the technical lead to manage procurements, documentation, and design reviews
• Work closely with multiple suppliers (domestic and international) to monitor procurement, manufacturing, and testing
• Work closely across multiple subsystems and present management and customers with relevant GNC component data and/or reports. Communication is a critical element of your role
• Be able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
• Lead the effort between the component supplier, program, and subsystems to close out component related test failures and issues as they occur
• Travel to and support launch site activities
• Create and test component level scripts to verify the functionality of GNC components and work with team to integrate the components into the spacecraft
• Be flexible with shift work during different phases of the program

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, reviews, and test results to internal and external customers
• Work well within small- to medium-sized groups

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (ideally engineering, physics, or math) with 5 years of experience; or a Master's degree with 3 years; or a PhD
• Experience in hardware related projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math

• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++ or Python

• Experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing

• Experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems

• Experience with EVMS and/or cost account management

• An active or current Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance

The Northrop Grumman Tactical Space Division is a strategic partner specializing in commercial and classified partnerships with the design, delivery, operation and sustainment of satellites and human spacecraft. We support science and space exploration through our various partnerships, including NASA's Artemis program with the goal to return humans to the Moon in 2024 and the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) program that has discovered more than twenty confirmed plants. Recognized as an industry leader, we also develop highly specialized space and satellite components.

Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program.
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
Medical
Dental & Vision coverage
401k
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health & Wellness Resources
Employee Discounts
Flexible Schedules (For example the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work)
For more details please visit our total rewards site or chat with one of our recruiters to learn more.
Link: www.northropgrumman.com/benefits

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Salary Range: $101,400 USD - $152,200 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. With the continuing impacts of COVID-19 around the world, we are taking action to protect the health and well-being of our colleagues and maintain the safety of the communities where we operate. As a federal contractor, and consistent with Executive Order 14042 (https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/) we require all newly hired employees in the United States to be fully vaccinated by their start date. Federal guidance allows for disability/medical and religious accommodations with respect to the vaccine requirement. Any requested accommodations must be reviewed and approved (if applicable) in advance of your start date.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO . U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.