Guidance Navigation and Control Engineer Level 2 or 3
Northrop Grumman
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San Diego, CA · Posted September 30, 2026
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About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% 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.
This requisition may be filled at the level 2 or level 3 based on requirements listed below.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems seeks an Engineer or Principal Engineer, Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), to support the Core Vehicle Management System (CoreVMS) team in San Diego, CA. Hybrid work schedule available however selected candidate is required to be from a commutable distance from primary office in San Diego/ Rancho Bernardo CA.
The candidate will maintain and advance the team's GNC methods, tools, and processes. They will work with the CoreVMS team to modernize and enhance a common GNC Simulink implementation used by new programs within NGAS. This work includes the design, development, and implementation of software and simulation tools.
This role offers the opportunity to support multiple aircraft programs. The candidate may also contribute to proposal development and new project start up activities, including technical planning, cost estimation, and schedule inputs.
The successful candidate will perform a range of GNC engineering tasks, including:
• Designing, developing, implementing, verifying, and testing algorithms, software, and simulation tools
• Developing control laws to meet air vehicle performance, flying qualities, and stability margin requirements for both ground and flight test environments
• Developing linear and nonlinear dynamic simulation models and integrating them into software and hardware in the loop simulation environments
• Nonlinear 6DOF simulation analysis
This position may be filled at either the Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Engineer (Level 3).
Basic Qualifications:
For Level 2 consideration (Engineer Guidance Navigation Control): Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of experience or a Master's Degree in STEM with no experience
For Level 3 consideration (Principal Engineer Guidance Navigation Control): Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 5 years of experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years of experience, or a PhD Degree with 0 years of experience
Proficient with Matlab and Simulink
Knowledge of C/C++ and Python
Knowledge of flight sciences, control law development, or control system analysis
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in Inner- and/or Outer-Loop Flight Control System Design and Analysis.
Knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft flight dynamics
Experience with UAVs
Flight test experience
An active / in-scope US Government Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,700.00 - $171,800.00
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.