Principal/Sr. Principal Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Engineer

Northrop Grumman

. Design, develop, implement, verify, and test GNC algorithms, software, and simulation tools .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeEl Segundo • California • United StatesSenior💰 $114,000 - $213,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and developing GNC algorithms and control laws, with proficiency in Matlab and Simulink for simulation and modeling. Holds a relevant STEM degree and possesses the ability to analyze flight test data and support flight test activities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

GNC Algorithm DevelopmentMatlab ProficiencySimulink ExperienceControl Law DevelopmentFlight Test Data Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

GNC Algorithm DesignControl Law DevelopmentDynamic Simulation ModelingAutocoding Simulink ModelsFlight Sciences KnowledgeC/C++ KnowledgeJava KnowledgePython Knowledge

Soft Skills

Problem SolvingInnovative Thinking

Tools & Technologies

MatlabSimulink

Certifications & Qualifications

Active US Government Secret ClearanceTop Secret ClearanceSpecial Program Access

Industry Keywords

Air Vehicle PerformanceControl System AnalysisHardware-in-the-Loop SimulationDesign ReviewsPDRCDR

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

JavaPythonC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, implement, verify, and test GNC algorithms, software, and simulation tools
Develop control laws to meet air vehicle performance, flying qualities, and stability margin requirements on ground and in flight
Develop air vehicle system linear and non-linear dynamic simulation models
Integrate models into software and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments
Develop modern control laws and conduct trade studies on unconventional control effectors
Solve complex design technical problems and drive innovative solutions
Develop analyses supporting design reviews at stages such as PDR and CDR
Analyze air vehicle flight test data
Support flight test activities
Work 100% on-site with approximately 20%–25% travel

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant experience, or Master's Degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year for Principal level
Bachelor's Degree in a related STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant experience, or Master's Degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years for Senior Principal level
Experience on a team of GNC engineers
Proficiency in and experience with Matlab, Simulink, and autocoding Simulink models
Active US Government Secret clearance for Principal level
Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance for Senior Principal level
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP)
U.S. Citizenship required for positions with a government clearance
Preferred: Active US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance
Preferred: Special Program Access
Preferred: Experience with NGAS Common Products Core VMS GNC modelling
Preferred: Knowledge of C/C++, Java, and Python
Preferred: Knowledge of flight sciences, control law development, and control system analysis

Benefits

Comp & perks

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