Guidance Navigation Control (GNC) Hardware Engineer - Level 4

The GNC team designs, builds, and tests spacecraft subsystems for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites.
Job Responsibilities
In this role you will be:

Leading the procurement of GNC component hardware (Coarse Sun Sensor Assemblies, Star Tracker Assemblies, GPS Receivers, Inertial Reference Units / Inertial Measurement Units, Reaction Wheel Assemblies, Magno-Torquer Bars, etc.) as the cognizant engineer (CogE).

Leading domestic and international supplier meetings for the procurement and testing of GNC component hardware.

Provide general support, status tracking, and close action items for your assigned GNC component hardware for the entire lifecycle of the program and component.

Perform trade studies for GNC component hardware for proposal efforts.

Perform GNC component requirement reviews through compliance verification matrices with multiple different program subsystems (Mechanical, Propulsion, Electrical, Systems, etc.).

Design and procure GNC component hardware test equipment (EGSE / GSE).

Lead integration and testing of GNC hardware components with the spacecraft.

Troubleshoot GNC Hardware anomalies using supplier Users Manuals and documentation.

Communication is a key element of your role and all GNC engineers are expected to:

Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals

Document designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials

Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers

Work well within small- to medium-sized groups

This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. * This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
This position is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding prior to start date, as well as, upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
Basic Qualifications: (must have to be considered)

Requires an active/current U.S. Government DoD Top-Secret (TS) security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with an ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval AND Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access within a reasonable period of time

Level 4: (Sr Principal level)

Bachelor's degree with 8 years of relevant GNC experience

May consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of a completed degree

Master's degree with 6 years of relevant GNC experience

PhD with 4 years of relevant GNC experience

Familiarity with GNC space components: Coarse Sun Sensor Assemblies, Star Tracker Assemblies, GPS Receivers, Inertial Reference Units / Inertial Measurement Units, Reaction Wheel Assemblies, Magno-Torquer Bars, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

Current/Active TS with SCI [TS/SCI]

MS or PhD in engineering, physics, or math

Direct experience with GNC space components: Coarse Sun Sensor Assemblies, Star Tracker Assemblies, GPS Receivers, Inertial Reference Units / Inertial Measurement Units, Reaction Wheel Assemblies, Magno-Torquer Bars, etc.

Experience with leading supplier meetings.

Experience with procurement of GNC Components and associated Test equipment (EGSE / GSE).

Experience with requirements review via interfacing with multiple subsystems (Mechanical, Propulsion, etc.).

Experience with integration and testing of GNC components.

Experience with on-orbit space vehicle operations, commanding, debugging, and use of flight telemetry to track performance metrics.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Experience with MATLAB, Python, C, and/or C++.

Strong technical fundamentals in the areas of spacecraft attitude and orbit dynamics, navigation filtering and/or control systems design.

Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities.

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:*
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Client-provided location(s): Dulles, VA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10222738

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-02-14T19:50:54