Lead GNC Navigation Engineer – Modeling & Simulation

Northrop Grumman; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 153,000 - 229,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a GNC Engineer/Technical Lead Level 5 in Chandler, AZ to drive navigation modeling, analysis, and simulation for launch, space, and missile defense programs. You will mentor engineers, lead verification, and coordinate cross-functional teams onsite on a 9/80 schedule.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance eligibility, strong C++, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and Linux experience, and proven leadership in navigation or GNC efforts within high-dynamics environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 12 years of related experience, or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 10 years of related experience, or PhD with 8 years of related experience.
• Significant experience with inertial, satellite-based, and integrated navigation systems.
• Experience in navigation modeling, simulation, analysis, and/or algorithm development for flight systems.
• Demonstrated technical leadership across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Experience defining technical approaches, decomposing requirements, conducting trade studies, and driving verification and validation activities.
• Ability to operate independently, lead complex technical efforts, and mentor other engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction, architecture, modeling, simulation, analysis, and verification of navigation solutions for targets, space launch, advanced weapons, tactical strike, interceptor, and missile defense applications.
• Own navigation performance assessment across diverse mission environments, including low-altitude flight, high-speed and high-dynamic engagements, glide phase intercept scenarios, space and exo-atmospheric missions, and degraded or denied GPS conditions.
• Lead development and evaluation of inertial, GPS/GNSS, and integrated multi-sensor navigation approaches.
• Guide estimation and sensor fusion algorithm development, including Kalman filter design, tuning, covariance analysis, and performance characterization.
• Lead sensor performance assessments for IMUs, GPS receivers, radar altimeters, and related aiding sources as applicable.
• Translate program and customer requirements into navigation architectures, error budgets, analysis products, and verification approaches.
• Drive technical trade studies, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies related to navigation performance, robustness, and implementation.
• Partner with software, systems engineering, mission analysis, and integration teams to ensure successful integration of navigation capabilities into flight software and simulation environments.
• Review, mentor, and guide the technical work of other navigation and GNC engineers.
• Communicate technical approaches, risks, and results to engineering teams, chief engineers, program leadership, and customers.
• Support proposal, capture, and IRAD efforts through technical planning, basis-of-estimate input, and customer engagement as needed.

Skills

Inertial navigation systems

Satellite-based navigation

Technical leadership

System integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

Tools

C++

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

Linux

Job description

Northrop Grumman is seeking a GNC Engineer/Technical Lead Level 5 in Chandler, AZ to drive navigation modeling, analysis, and simulation for launch, space, and missile defense programs. You will mentor engineers, lead verification, and coordinate cross-functional teams onsite on a 9/80 schedule.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance eligibility, strong C++, MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and Linux experience, and proven leadership in navigation or GNC efforts within high-dynamics environments.