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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - GNC - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Huntsville, AL, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $108,800.0 - $163,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Systems Engineering, C++ (Programming Language), Code Generation, Embedded Software, Network Interface Controllers, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, MISRA C (C Programming Language), Rapid Prototyping Process, Real-Time Operating Systems, SAP (Applications), Sensor Fusion, Simulink, Git - **Published:** October 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/job/us7fa51b380da1d4eb28458723bfe3de6b/eaa ## About the Role This position may be filled at a Principal level or Sr. Principal level * Requires a Bachelors degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university with 5 years of relevant experience; or a Masters degree with 3 years (Sr Principal level requires a Bachelors with 8 years; a Masters with 6 years; or a PhD with 4 years). * Must be a US Citizen with an active US Government Secret Security Clearance, at time of application, current and within scope, with an investigation date within the last 6 years. * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret Clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs. * Requires 3 years of experience in guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) for cruise missiles, or other complex flight systems, including development of 6 DOF vehicle models and autopilot/guidance algorithms. * Requires experience in C/C++ for embedded code (preferably MISRA C compliant), MATLAB/Simulink for modeling, simulation, and code generation, and Python for data analysis and rapid prototyping, with experience using Git and CI/CD pipelines. Preferred Qualifications * Active DoD Top Secret Clearance. * Experience supporting technical GNC teams or workstreams in support of technology maturation and risk reduction or similar early lifecycle acquisition phases. * Experience deploying GNC algorithms to real time embedded systems, including familiarity with real time operating systems and support. * Experience with cruise missile flight dynamics, navigation and sensor fusion (e.g., INS/GPS/star tracker/lidar).. * Proven track record of troubleshooting complex real time GNC systems and effectively communicating technical concepts and risks to non specialists and external customers. * Demonstrated experience integrating Simulink algorithms onto hardware using the Simulink Real-Time and Speedgoat Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing platform. * Independent contributor with strong leadership skills, demonstrated problem-solving skills, excellent communication skills, as well as interpersonal and organizational skills and a proactive, detail-oriented approach. ## Description Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Guidance Navigation & Control Systems Engineer to join our team. This position will be located at Huntsville, AL to support the Strategic Deterrent Systems (SDS) Division. This position may be filled at a higher level based on qualifications below. Roles and Responsibilities * Architect, design, and verify guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solutions and 6 DOF flight dynamics models for cruise missiles and flight vehicles supporting the Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR) phase of the SLCM N program. * Develop autopilot, targeting, and guidance algorithms for assess stability, performance, and robustness using advanced control theory and high fidelity simulations. * Define GNC requirements and interfaces to control effectors, navigation sensors, and propulsion systems, and evaluate the impact of latency, bandwidth, and sensor characteristics on system performance. * Integrate GNC algorithms into real time embedded flight software, including support to requirements decomposition, interface control documents, and verification. * Conduct Monte Carlo, robustness, and performance analyses in MATLAB/Simulink and Python to identify technical risks, quantify margins, and support risk reduction trade studies. * Support flight test programs, including contribution to test planning, instrumentation and telemetry definition, and post flight reconstruction and diagnostics of GNC performance. * Work closely with aerodynamics, structures, thermal, software, and systems engineering to ensure GNC designs are integrated, feasible, and aligned with overall vehicle and mission requirements. * Implement GNC software using modern software practices such as Git, CI/CD pipelines, and adherence to real time operating system constraints. * Develop clear technical documentation and presentations that communicate GNC concepts, assumptions, analysis results, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.