Principal / Senior Principal Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Principal GNC Engineer at Northrop Grumman. Designing and developing guidance navigation and control systems for air vehicles with advanced engineering concepts.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $171,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing algorithms and simulation tools for guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, with a strong focus on air vehicle performance and stability. Proficient in analyzing flight test data and supporting design reviews throughout the development process.

Highest-signal resume keywords

GNC Engineering ExperienceMatlab ProficiencySimulink ExperienceActive US Government Secret ClearanceControl Law Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Algorithm DevelopmentDynamic Simulation ModelingControl Law DesignData AnalysisSoftware Testing

Soft Skills

Problem SolvingTeam CollaborationInnovative Thinking

Tools & Technologies

MatlabSimulinkHardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

Certifications & Qualifications

Active US Government Secret ClearanceSpecial Program Access (SAP)

Industry Keywords

Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC)Air Vehicle PerformanceFlight Test ActivitiesDesign ReviewsTrade Studies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, implement, verify and test algorithms, software and simulation tools to perform guidance, navigation and control (GNC)
Develop control laws to meet air vehicle performance, flying qualities and stability margin requirements, both on ground and in flight
Develop air vehicle system linear and non-linear dynamic simulation models and integrate models into software and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments
Develop modern control laws, conduct trade studies on unconventional control effectors
Work on unusually complex design technical problems and drive innovative solutions
Develop analysis to support design reviews at different stages in a development program, such as PDR, CDR, etc
Analyze air vehicle flight test data and support flight test activities

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline with 5 years of relevant experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant experience
Must have experience on a team of GNC engineers
Must be proficient in and have experience with Matlab, Simulink, and autocoding Simulink models
Active US Government Secret clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business