Navigation Lead Staff GNC Engineer
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 19, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 5, 2026. Northrop Grumman scores A on the Alion truth index.
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 Navigation Lead Staff GNC engineer to join and lead our team of Navigation Engineers. This role can be filled in Rancho Bernardo, CA or Palmdale, CA, both are onsite.
The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct. In this role you will lead cross-functional engineering teams to design, integrate, and test advanced Vehicle Management System hardware and software in a dynamic aerospace environment. Partner with suppliers, chief engineers, and IPT leads to translate complex system requirements into robust navigation solutions, while providing technical guidance and building a high-performing, collaborative team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of 3-5 engineers supporting the technical development, integration and testing of advanced Vehicle Management System software and hardware components.
- Interface with strategy supplier partners, coordinate with programs chief engineers and IPT Leads to ensure technical requirements are properly incorporated into design solutions.
- Evaluate Navigation systems, products, components, and applications by designing and testing products.
- Understand all system requirements, develop statements of work, specifications and interface control documents, prepare, monitor and update program schedules, conduct and participate in all related design reviews, and provide technical guidance to the cross-functional team.
- Collaborate with team members of other functional teams as well as working with the program to meet the customers’ needs
- Communicate, collaborate, and facilitate the building of a strong team
- Perform in a dynamic, fast paced, aerospace team environment
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in analytical thinking, problem solving skills, and ability to interface across the different engineering teams.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 12 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 10 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience.
- Experience with requirements management, system integration, test plan development, and test execution of a navigation system throughout the entire development, demonstration, and production phases.
- Proficient with MATLAB for data analysis purposes
- Preparing, presenting, and leading discussion of navigation system engineering materials during formal program reviews
- General understanding of MIL-STD-1553, RS-232, RS-422, Ethernet
- Good understanding of the GPS system, the GPS Signal in Space characteristics, DGPS systems, inertial sensors, GPS/INS, GPS receiver design, GPS Anti-Jam integration
- Ability to obtain a DOD Top Secret clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Access Program (SAP) access via a Program Access Request (PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
- Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
- Navigation System Integration Experience
- Experience leading a technical team including estimating, assigning, and tracking work
- Supplier management experience
- Requirements development experience
- Requirements verification testing experience
- Experience in development and maintenance of interface control documents
- Extensive experience with technical analysis tools such as Matlab or Python
- Proficiency with test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, signal analyzers, multi-meters) experience
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management, and translate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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.