> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2281255-principal-or-sr-principal-guidance-navigation-controls-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2281255-principal-or-sr-principal-guidance-navigation-controls-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Principal OR Sr. Principal Guidance Navigation Controls Engineer

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** San Diego, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C++ (Programming Language), Dynamical Systems, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Lua (Scripting Language), MATLAB, SAP (Applications), Simulink, Stateflow
- **Published:** August 28, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.beyondsandiego.com/job.asp?id=3367836377&tx=FR6764FFI&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 5 years of relevant, professional engineering experience; OR Master's degree in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant, professional engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant, professional engineering experience.
 * Experience with fixed-wing aircraft flight dynamics.
 * Experience using linear control principles and tools to design feedback control systems.
 * Experience analyzing non-linear simulations of aircraft closed-loop dynamics.
 * Working knowledge of autopilot functions and outer/inner loop control law performance requirements.
 * Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data.
 * Experience using Simulink to model dynamic systems.
 * Working knowledge of logic, modes, and states for autonomous aircraft.
 * Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.
 * Ability to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance or higher and Special Program Access (SAP)., * Bachelor's degree in a related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with 8 years of relevant, professional engineering experience; OR Master's degree in a related STEM discipline with 6 years of relevant, professional engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 4 years of relevant, professional engineering experience.
 * Experience with fixed-wing aircraft flight dynamics.
 * Experience using linear control principles and tools to design feedback control systems.
 * Experience analyzing non-linear simulations of aircraft closed-loop dynamics.
 * Working knowledge of autopilot functions and outer/inner loop control law performance requirements.
 * Experience using MATLAB to create, process, analyze, and visually represent data.
 * Experience using Simulink to model dynamic systems.
 * Working knowledge of logic, modes, and states for autonomous aircraft.
 * Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.
 * Ability to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance or higher and Special Program Access (SAP).

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:

 * A current, active in-scope US Government Secret security clearance or higher, with the ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP).
 * Experience designing control laws for fixed wing aircraft and performing handling qualities analysis
 * Working knowledge of MIL-STD-1797 flying qualities requirements
 * Experience with autonomy algorithms (Autonomous Taxi/ Take Off and Landing, etc.) for driving control laws.
 * Familiarity with Simulink Stateflow Modeling and autocoding Simulink models
 * Experience with C/C++, Python, and Lua script programming

## Description

* Support research and development of flight control algorithms for manned and unmanned air vehicles.
 * Design, develop, implement, verify, and test algorithms, software, and simulation tools to perform guidance, navigation and control (GNC) of autonomous unmanned aircraft.
 * Develop control laws to meet air vehicle performance, flying qualities, and stability margin requirements, both on ground and in flight.
 * Design outer and inner loop control laws, and associated logic and autonomy functions.
 * Develop air vehicle system linear and non-linear dynamic simulation models and integrate models into software and hardware-in-the-loop simulation environments.
 * Perform performance and flying qualities analysis.
 * Support non-linear simulation and hardware-in-the-loop lab testing.
 * Support flight test activities and analyze air vehicle flight test data.
 * Develop analysis to support design reviews at different stages in a development program, such as PDR, CDR, etc.


## Related Videos

- [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch)
- [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions)
- [Automated Driving - Why is it so hard to introduce](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/628-automated-driving-why-is-it-so-hard-to-introduce)
- [Software stack under and over the hood of the fastest accelerating car in the world](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/221-software-stack-under-and-over-the-hood-of-the-fastest-accelerating-car-in-the-world)
- [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution)
- [Crew Management System for Airlines: Plan duties for pilots & flight attendants worldwide](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1444-crew-management-system-for-airlines-plan-duties-for-pilots-flight-attendants-worldwide)

## Related Articles

- [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology)
- [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer)
- [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree)
- [The Prompt Engineer ✍️](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/216-the-prompt-engineer)
- [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)
- [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)