Hypersonic Testbed GN&C Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Principal GN&C Engineer supporting Northrop Grumman's Sentinel Program development in Huntsville, AL and Roy, UT. Focus on hypersonic testbed vehicles' autopilot systems and control algorithms.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeHuntsville • Alabama, Utah • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and tuning autopilot systems for high Mach flight, with a strong foundation in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms. Proficient in Agile methodologies and experienced in collaborating within engineering teams to achieve critical project milestones.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Autopilot DevelopmentControl TheoryGuidance Navigation Control AlgorithmsAgile DevelopmentC C++ MATLAB Simulink

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Autopilot DevelopmentControl TheoryGuidance Navigation Control AlgorithmsTrajectory AssessmentFlight Analysis6 Degrees of Freedom Vehicle ModelsPerformance Improvement ReportingCoding in CCoding in C++Coding in MATLAB Simulink

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government DoD Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Hypersonic TestbedExoatmospheric FlightEndoatmospheric FlightDoDAF StandardsEngineering Review Boards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the technical development of the Hypersonic Testbed vehicles' autopilot for precision at high Mach in Exoatmospheric and Endoatmospheric flight.
Mature existing control algorithms and analysis tools.
Tune the autopilot(s) for emerging missions.
Participate in engineering review boards, technical interchange meetings, and critical milestone reviews.
Determine and report incremental performance improvements.
Respond to analysis package requests.
Perform trajectory assessment and flight analyses.
Collaborate with a team of GN&C engineers in an Agile environment to meet critical milestones.
Develop and analyze GNC algorithms (Guidance, Navigation, Autopilot).
Develop, verify, and validate complex 6 degrees of freedom vehicle models.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in STEM and 5 years of experience, 3 years of experience with master’s degree, 0 years of experience with PhD.
Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years
Ability to obtain Special Access within a reasonable period as determined by the business needs of the company.
1 year of autopilot development and control theory specifically focused on tuning and implementing flight control algorithms.
2 years of experience with Agile Development with DoDAF standards and methods
2 years of demonstrated experience coding in a higher-level programming language (C, C++, MATLAB/Simulink, etc.)
3 years of demonstrated experience in guidance, navigation, or control algorithm development and/or analysis for launch vehicles, missiles, spacecraft, and/or aircraft.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
401k
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health & Wellness Resources
Employee Discounts