Sr Principal Engineer Guidance Navigation Control (AHT)
- Location:
- Northridge, California, United States of America
About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines.
Northrop Grumman is currently seeking a Sr. Principal GNC Engineer located in Northridge, CA.
Job Summary
Use broad knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to solve difficult aerospace engineering issues. Work under broad objective-related direction from program manager. Lead others in determining best means to achieve several objectives. Make independent decisions on aerospace engineering problems and methods. Represent the organization to resolve important questions. Oversee, coordinate, and review the work of a small staff of engineers. Estimate personnel needs, schedules and assign work.
Job Responsibilities
Design Guidance and Flight Control algorithm: guidance Law, trajectory optimization, flight vehicle autonomy; design Navigation algorithm: initial alignment, strapdown propagation, INS filter, multi-sensor data fusion; design Target Tracking algorithm: angle only tracking, maneuvering target tracking, multi-target tracking, track file manager.
Define flight vehicle dynamics modeling in multiple degrees of freedom simulation architecture; define navigation sensor and targeting sensor modeling based on hardware specifications and test results; define target dynamics modeling. Plan and direct modeling design and development effort.
Verify system performance from hardware-in-the-loop simulation results, ground tests, captive carry flight tests, and live fire flight tests.
Collaborate flight vehicle system development. Leverage multi-disciplinary design, optimization, and analysis processes, tools, and efforts.
Attend and present at various engineering design reviews, test readiness reviews, and flight readiness reviews. Monitor real-time telemetry data in range control center during captive carry flight and live fire.
Required Education and Experience
BS in Aerospace Engineering & 8 years of relevant experience; or MS in Aerospace Engineering & 6 years of relevant experience; or PhD in Aerospace Engineering & 3 years of relevant experience
**Active DOD Secret security clearance
Demonstrate capability in the following areas:
Design, develop, test, and evaluate Missile Guidance, Autopilot, Navigation, and Target Tracking algorithms.
Conduct sensitivity study and implement modeling of target dynamics: stationary, moving, and maneuvering target.
Targeting sensors: radar, EO, IR, laser, ESM, seeker pointing, sensor management navigation sensors: IMU, GPS, radar/laser altimeter, magnetometer, star tracker high-fidelity multiple degree-of-freedom flight mechanics and vehicle dynamics simulation.
Analyze and evaluate hardware-in-the-loop simulation results, ground tests results, and flight tests results.
Preferred Education and Experience
MS or PhD in Aerospace Engineering
Active DOD Top Secret security clearance/SAP
Experience in tactical missile design, and flight tests
Working knowledge of multi-discipline analysis and optimization
*Living in Northridge offers a perfect combination of urban living with the beauty of nature. It is a short drive away from downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills, or the rest of the San Fernando Valley.
Take advantage of your flexible work schedule to enjoy shopping at the local Northridge Fashion Center or spend time at the local Recreation Center as well as easy access to nearby protected natural areas such as the Chatsworth Reservoir, the Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, Lake Balboa or within driving distance, spend a day at the beach or snow ski at our local mountains. With Cal State Northridge right in the heart of town, the area has an active college-town energy combined with family-friendly suburban charm. The stunning southern California climate makes for year-round easy living. With an average of 284 sunny days during the year, it is safe to say you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor activities to the fullest.
#definingpossible
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Northrop Grumman in Northridge-California - Northrop Grumman
Understanding of Embedded Flight Software development process