Principal or Sr. Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer
Northrop Grumman
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El Segundo, CA · Posted September 29, 2026
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time Description
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.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal or Sr. Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer to join our Advanced GNC team in Rancho Bernardo, CA or El Segundo, CA.
Essential Functions:
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.
This position requires 100% on-site work. Telework/hybrid schedule is not allowed. The anticipated travel for this role is approximately 20% - 25%.
This position may be filled at either the Principal GNC Engineer level or the Senior Principal GNC level, depending upon the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications for Principal GNC Engineer:
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).
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal GNC Engineer:
Bachelor's Degree in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline with 8 years of relevant experience; OR a Master's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 6 years of relevant experience; OR a PhD in related STEM discipline with 4 years 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.
Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret (or Top Secret, depending upon program need) clearance prior to commencement of employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP).
Preferred Qualifications for both levels:
Active US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance (highly preferred)
Special Program Access
Experience with NGAS Common Products Core VMS GNC modelling
Knowledge of C/C++, Java, Python
Knowledgeable in the area of flight sciences, control law development, and control system analysis.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The 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.