Associate Guidance Navigation Control Engineer – Dulles VA

Northrop Grumman

. Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques .

Posted 10/7/2026full-timeUnited StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $76,200 - $114,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing, with proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++. Capable of applying engineering principles and industry standards to develop and verify flight algorithms and simulation models.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Spacecraft GNC Subsystem DesignMATLAB/Simulink ProficiencyC/C++ ProgrammingKalman Filter ImplementationModel Based Systems Engineering

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Spacecraft Attitude ControlSequential Filter DesignFlight Algorithm DevelopmentSimulation Model DevelopmentAnalytic Tool Performance TestingActuator SizingSensor SelectionGuidance and Proximity OperationsClassical/Modern ControlEstimation Theory

Soft Skills

Analytical AbilitiesProblem-Solving SkillsPresentation SkillsTeam Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteVersion Control ToolsSVNGitAtlassian Suite

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringFlight Software Qualification TestingSpace EnvironmentEmbedded Systems

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

SubversionC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques
Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters, such as Kalman filters, for attitude determination and relative navigation
Design, develop, test, and verify flight algorithms for the GNC subsystem
Support flight software qualification testing
Analyze and test spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and analytic tools
Support early design phase concept development, including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, guidance, rendezvous, proximity operations, docking analyses, and predicted performance assessments
Develop simulation models for sensors, actuators, system dynamics, and the space environment
Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company processes, vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory
Document designs, analyses, and test results and create presentation materials
Present designs, analyses, and test results to internal and external customers
Work within small- to medium-sized groups
Travel 10% of the time

Requirements

What you’ll need

Be completing or have completed a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
Major in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance
U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite
Preferred: overall cumulative GPA of 3.4 out of 4.0 or higher
Preferred: proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++
Preferred: experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing
Preferred: experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems
Preferred: prior work experience in a related field
Preferred: proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and version control tools such as SVN or Git
Preferred: experience with Model Based Systems Engineering and Atlassian suite digital transformation tools
Preferred: previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities
Preferred: excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime eligibility may apply
Shift differential may apply
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business