Northrop Grumman’s Defense Systems sector is looking for a Consulting Engineer - Guidance Navigation & Control. This position will be located in Roy, Utah or Manhattan Beach, CA.
This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
The GNC Technical Execution Lead owns and drives the most critical GNC program issues for the Sentinel program. Reporting to the GNC Program Element Lead, the Tech Execution Lead will serve as the primary technical point of contact (POC) for the Naval Integrated X band Architecture Group (NIXAG) and will lead a team of 5 - 7 senior GNC engineers (T5 level and above). The role combines deep technical expertise in guidance, navigation, and control hardware/software with strong leadership, stakeholder coordination, and issue resolution authority to keep the program on schedule, within performance budgets, and on a clear technical path forward.
What You’ll Get To Do:
Own GNC issues, from issue identification through resolution and flight test acceleration.
Lead root cause investigations, develop and execute detailed resolution plans, and ensure timely closure of open actions.
Serve as the authority on GNC hardware, algorithms, trades, electronics, and software.
Work daily with multiple Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) inside GNC.
Liaise with the Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE) to secure approvals for schedule acceleration and risk reduction actions.
Primary technical POC for NIXAG (customer technical leadership interface)
Provide technical insight, influence NIXAG decisions, and shape inputs to Flight Systems (e.g., JCCB packages, Alternate PIGA, trade studies, Measure of Capability (MOC)).
Co chair design reviews; adjudicate CRMs with USG, coordinate RFAs and responses.
Lead GNC level Material Review Boards (MRBs) and Failure Review Boards (FRBs).
Determine and communicate the technical path forward for GNC issues, direct troubleshooting, and investigation effort.
Deliver technical recommendations to IPT/Element/Segment leads that shape schedule, cost, and performance outcomes.
Directly supervise a technical team of 5 - 7 senior GNC engineers (dotted line authority); mentor and develop technical talent.
Ensure the team’s work products meet program quality standards and are delivered on schedule.
Partner with IPTs early in the development cycle to anticipate and prevent critical GNC issues.
Drive schedule acceleration and risk mitigation measures, securing cross organizational stakeholder approval.
Serve as the primary technical interface with the GNC System Program Office (SPO) and the NIMS & GC program managers.
Communicate complex technical status, risks, and decisions to senior leadership and customer representatives.
Own all Measure of Capability (MOC) items and flight test acceleration activities linked to GNC.
Coordinate test plan development, data collection, and analysis to validate GNC performance against Level 1 WSS requirements and Program KPPs.
Position Benefits:
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts
This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
You’ll Bring These Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and a minimum of 16 years of experience OR a Master’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with a minimum of 14 years of experience.
At least 15 years of hands on experience in Guidance, Navigation & Controls or comparable control systems engineering.
Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
Experience leading detailed issue resolution plans from detection through closure.
These Qualifications Would be Nice to Have:
Proven background in hardware and/or software flight systems design, manufacturing, and test.
Demonstrated expertise in HW/SW troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and failure review processes.
Program Delivery-Prior experience delivering avionics or GNC units/systems to operational status.
Technology Maturation-Background in technology readiness level (TRL) advancement, technology insertion, or developmental maturation activities.
Systems Integration-Exposure to full system integration, especially within large scale defense programs.
Advanced Education-Master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline or certification in Systems Engineering, Project Management, or Six Sigma.
Deep knowledge of GNC hardware, algorithms, accuracy trade studies, and embedded electronics.
Ability to integrate HW and SW perspectives for system level solutions.
Familiarity with MRB/FRB processes, JCCB packages, and MOC procedures.
Self starter with a record of leading senior technical staff (T5 level and above).
Strong influence and negotiation skills with senior customer and internal stakeholders.
Ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to senior leadership and non technical audiences.
Excellent written and oral communication; proficient in Microsoft Office suite, JIRA/Confluence or equivalent issue tracking tools; willingness to travel to customer sites and test ranges as needed.
#Sentinelleadership
Primary Level Salary Range: $183,200.00 - $318,100.00The 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.ngc