GNC Engineer: Actuators - Level 3/4 (AHT)
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Oct 27, 2026 · 1d ago
Chandler, AZ
In office
Full-time
Senior
$123K–$184K
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Interim 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 Space Systems is seeking a GNC Engineer: Actuators (Level 3 or 4) to join our Flight Sciences group within Guidance, Navigation, Control and Software (GNCSW) Engineering in Chandler, Arizona . In this full‑time, on‑site role, you will immediately contribute to actuation systems for launch vehicle and space development programs.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
Due to the nature of this work, this role is 100% on-site.
Your Role and Impact:
Develop, maintain, and apply linear and nonlinear actuator system models in MATLAB, Simulink, C , and Python
Perform analysis and simulation of electromechanical and electro-hydraulic actuation systems
Support design/analysis of actuator control systems, including PID control approaches
Compare simulation results to actuator test data, identify discrepancies, and update models to improve correlation
Support the development of actuator performance requirements and review actuator test data
Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to support program objectives
Other duties as assigned
If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications – Level 3:
Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4 years of experience in lieu of degree.
Hands-on experience in actuator analysis, actuator modeling and simulation, controls analysis, or actuation systems engineering
Experience with electromechanical and/or electro-hydraulic actuation systems
Experience developing, maintaining, or correlating actuator models against test data
Experience with control system analysis or design, including PID-based control approaches
Experience with C , MATLAB, Simulink, and Python
Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance
Basic Qualifications – Level 4:
Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4 years of experience in lieu of degree.
Hands-on experience in actuator analysis, actuator modeling and simulation, controls analysis, or actuation systems engineering
Experience with electromechanical and/or electro-hydraulic actuation systems
Experience developing, maintaining, or correlating actuator models against test data
Experience with control system analysis or design, including PID-based control approaches
Experience with C , MATLAB, Simulink, and Python
Ability to operate innovatively and independently with minimal direction
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience supporting production and fielded actuator system anomaly investigations
Experience developing actuator performance requirements and supporting specification development
Experience reviewing actuator test data and resolving model-to-test discrepancies
Experience with Linux operating systems
Strong technical writing and presentation skills
Active DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
#AZSpace
#SpaceGNCJobs
#SpaceEngJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off