Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.
Northrop Grumman

Principal / Engineer: Guidance, Navigation, and Control - Space / Satellite Systems (Dulles, VA)

Dulles, VA

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Want more jobs like this?

Get Software Engineering jobs in Dulles, VA delivered to your inbox every week.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy.


Spacecraft GNC Hardware Engineer Summary/Responsibilities:
Northrop Grumman's Innovation Systems is seeking a motivated and driven engineer that will fill the position of Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) cognizant engineer. This is a hardware position, and focuses on the procurement, integration, and testing of GNC flight hardware components. NGIS GNC is procuring, designing, building, integrating, and testing spacecraft components 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. We are seeking a highly talented and ambitious hardware Engineer to procure, integrate and test GNC components to ensure that they will meet our spacecraft requirements. The hardware engineer will work within the GNC subsystem team and under the supervision of the GNC subsystem lead.

This job is for primarily onsite support with hybrid options available. This job may also require some travel ( Dulles, VA.

A spacecraft GNC component engineer is expected will be required to:
  • Perform GNC component trade studies (including make/buy trades and supplier identification/research). These components may include but are not limited to star trackers, lidars, GPS receivers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, IR cameras, inertia reference units and space based visible cameras
  • Work with the subcontracts/supply chain team as the technical lead to manage procurements, documentation, and design reviews
  • Work closely with multiple suppliers (domestic and international) to monitor procurement, manufacturing, and testing
  • Work closely across multiple subsystems, and present to managers and customers relevant GNC component data and/or reports. Communication is a critical element of your role
  • Be able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
  • Lead the effort between the component supplier, program, and subsystems to close out component related test failures and issues as they occur
  • Travel to and support launch site activities
  • Create and test component level scripts to verify the functionality of GNC components and work with team to integrate the components into the spacecraft
  • Be flexible with shift work during different phases of the program
All GNC engineers will be required 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, reviews, and test results to internal and external customers
  • Work well within small- to medium-sized groups
  • Utilize strong verbal and written communications skills
  • Possess strong interpersonal skills
  • Leverage strong project leadership skills
Experience working with the following components are strongly recommended:
  • GPS Receivers
  • Reaction Wheels
  • Star Trackers
  • Analog Sun Sensors
  • Inertial Measurement/Reference Units
  • LIDARs
This position can be filled at the Engineer or Principal Engineer level.

Basic Qualifications:
Engineer
  • BS degree in aerospace, engineering, math, physics, or science with 2 years of experience on hardware related projects (or MS degree, or PhD.) Experience can be considered in lieu of degree
  • Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems
  • US Citizenship
Principal Engineer
  • BS degree in aerospace, engineering, math, physics, or science with 5 years of experience on hardware related projects (or MS degree with 3 years of experience on hardware related projects, or PhD.) Experience can be considered in lieu of degree
  • Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems
  • US Citizenship
Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS degree in engineering, physics, or math
  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++ or Python
  • Experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing
  • Current TS/SCI Clearance preferred
The Northrop Grumman Tactical Space Division is a strategic partner specializing in commercial and classified partnerships with the design, delivery, operation and sustainment of satellites and human spacecraft. We support science and space exploration through our various partnerships, including NASA's Artemis program with the goal to return humans to the Moon in 2024 and the TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) program that has discovered more than twenty confirmed plants. Recognized as an industry leader, we also develop highly specialized space and satellite components.

Northrop Grumman offers a competitive and robust benefits program.
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
Medical
Dental & Vision coverage
401k
Educational Assistance
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health & Wellness Resources
Employee Discounts
Flexible Schedules (For example the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work)
For more details please visit our total rewards site or chat with one of our recruiters to learn more.
Link: www.northropgrumman.com/benefits

Tags
NGFeaturedJobs
#LI-S-70
Space System
NoVASpace
DIVSE
MMIC
#LI-BC1
NGIS-SSEngineering
"

Salary Range: $85,000 USD - $127,400 USD
Salary Range 2: $104,600 USD - $157,000 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ .

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO . U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.

Client-provided location(s): Dulles, VA 20166, USA
Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10101569
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Four-Day Work Week
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
    • Woman founded/led

Company Videos

Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Northrop Grumman.

This job is no longer available.

Search all jobs