GNC Engineer: Aerodynamics (Level 3/4) Chandler

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Engineer in Chandler, AZ to lead advanced aerodynamic design for launch vehicle missions. The role requires developing 6DOF models, supporting wind tunnel experiments, and presenting outcomes to leadership. 100% on-site, with a 9/80 schedule and 10% travel.

The position demands experience with Python, Linux, and the ability to obtain a Secret clearance. Level 3 or 4 placement is possible depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with 6DOF aerodynamic model development.
• Experience with Python and Linux operating system.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced aerodynamic design for launch vehicle missions from concept to testing.
• Develop 6DOF aerodynamic models for simulation and analysis.
• Design and support wind tunnel testing programs.
• Present findings to management and customers through reviews and reports.
• Plan staffing and manage tasks to support rocket vehicle design from concept to flight.
• Oversee team performance and ensure accuracy of work.

Skills

Python

Linux

6DOF aerodynamic model development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CFD software

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description

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.

The GNC Aerodynamics Engineering Team is hiring for a Sr. Principal Engineer located in Chandler, Arizona.

Aerodynamics is critical to the success of launch vehicle missions-shaping performance, stability, and safety from concept through flight. In this role, you will lead advanced aerodynamic design and support wind tunnel experimentation in a highly technical environment. Due to the nature of the work, this position will be 100% on-site.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Your Role and Impact:

• Take a lead role in the creation of advanced launch vehicle aerodynamic designs and support your team through all phases from conceptual and preliminary analyses to integration and testing.
• Perform aerodynamic configuration trade studies on mission performance, including effects of static and dynamic stability and control, propulsion, and mass properties.
• Develop aerodynamic models for use in 6 degree of freedom launch vehicle simulation models (table generation with logical dependencies, uncertainty analyses, V&V techniques).
• Design and support wind tunnel testing programs.
• Present your work and technical findings to management and senior leadership through design reviews, program milestones, technical reports, proposals, and formal customer presentations.
• Prepare and plan staffing requirements to support development of rocket vehicle design from concept to flight.
• Manage tasks and schedule to ensure smooth coordination with program teams and other leads.
• Assign, monitor, and review the work of your team for accuracy.
• Apply your experience in a wide range of flight regimes (subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic, rarefied flows).
• Use legacy aerodynamic computer analysis programs (CFD & industry codes: Fluent, DSMC, Loci-Chem, Fun3D, Cart3D, Missile Datcom).
• Lead wind tunnel testing and evaluation (transonic and supersonic).
• Conduct launch vehicle aeroelastic analyses (distributed loads, deflected vehicle effects).
• Address launch vehicle venting analysis requirements and engineering methodologies.
• 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 for 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.
• Must hold a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Must be experienced with 6DOF aerodynamic model development.
• Must have experience with Python and the Linux operating system.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.

Basic Qualifications for 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.
• Must hold a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Must be experienced with 6DOF aerodynamic model development.
• Must have experience with Python and the Linux operating system.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with autopilot and guidance algorithm design and navigation and actuator subsystems.
• Experience with wind tunnel test planning and execution.
• Experience with CFD.
• Experience combining multiple data sources to create a cohesive aerodynamic 6DOF model.
• Proven cross-functional technical leadership.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? https://www.northropgrumman.com