Staff Guidance & Navigational Control (GNC) Flight Test Lead -5

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

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.

Northrop Grumman Chandler, Arizona is looking for a Staff Guidance & Navigational Controls (GNC) Flight Test Lead to join our team.

Basic Qualifications:

• 12 Years with Bachelors in Science; 10 Years with Masters; 8 Years with PhD.

• Experience designing, tuning, implementing, and testing guidance algorithms and autopilot parameters for guided missiles and/or interceptors.

• Previous experience in designing, implementing, and testing missile autopilot systems. Including exposure to multiple control system schemes for guided missiles and linear stability analysis.

• Strong understanding of missile control systems, including classical and modern control theory.

• Proficiency in creating and maintaining analysis tools in C++, MATLAB and Python

• Proficiency in C++ development in a Linux environment

• Proficiency in MATLAB and Python toolchains

• Must have current and active Secret Clearance at time of application

• Travel 10% of the time

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with GNC algorithms for hypersonic missiles

• Experience with AEGIS weapon system

• Experience with IR discrimination and tracking

• Familiarity with state estimation and state propagation techniques

• Test Planning and Strategy:  Defines comprehensive flight test strategies and prepares detailed test plans, objectives, and schedules, including identifying the required resources and test environment setup.
• System Integration & Testing:  Oversees the integration and testing of GNC hardware and software, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, and actual flight campaigns.
• Data Analysis and Validation:  Analyzes pre- and post-flight test data to evaluate compliance with requirements, troubleshoot anomalies, and identify areas for improvement.
• Algorithm and Software Development Support:  Works closely with GNC design engineers to develop and refine flight control laws, algorithms, and models, often using tools like MATLAB/Simulink, C, or C++.
• Deep Understanding of GNC Theory:  Expertise in control theory (linear, non-linear, adaptive, optimal), dynamics (rigid body, flight/orbital mechanics), and navigation algorithms (Kalman filters, sensor fusion, GPS).
• Simulation and Modeling Proficiency:  Extensive experience developing and using high-fidelity simulations, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing environments.
• Programming and Software Skills:  Proficiency in numerical programming environments like MATLAB/Simulink and Python, as well as experience with real-time, safety-critical embedded programming in languages like C/C++.
• Data Analysis:  Strong ability to analyze pre-flight system performance assessments and post-flight test data to refine algorithms, troubleshoot issues, and verify system performance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $147,700.00 - $221,500.00

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.