An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you’ll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you’ll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you’ve done.
Northrop Grumman is seeking Guidance Navigation and Control to join the Space Systems Intern Program. This position will be located in Dulles, VA.
GNC is designing, building, testing spacecraft components for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites. We are seeking a highly-talented and ambitious Engineer to take responsibility for the attitude control solutions that meet our spacecraft requirements. The spacecraft GNC analysis engineer will work within the GNC subsystem team and under the supervision of the GNC subsystem lead.
Depending on the engineer’s strengths and areas of interest, an engineer may choose to focus on one of two areas GNC analysis or GNC components (or some combination).
A spacecraft GNC analysis engineer is expected to:
•Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques
•Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g. Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation
•Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools
•Implement GNC algorithms in flight software and support flight software qualification testing
•Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, and predicted performance assessments
•Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g. star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g. reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g. rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models), and the space environment (e.g. atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential)
A spacecraft GNC component engineer is expected to:
•Perform GNC component trade studies (including make/buy trades and supplier identification/research). These components may include but are not limited to star cameras, lidars, GPS receivers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, IR cameras, and space based visible cameras.
•Work with the subcontracts/supply chain team as the technical lead to manage procurements including documentation and design reviews
•Work with the team to integrate and test all spacecraft GNC components
•Work closely with multiple suppliers, across multiple subsystems, presenting to managers and customers. Communication is a key element of your role
All GNC engineers are expected to:
•Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals
•Document designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials
•Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
•Work well within small- to medium-sized groups
Basic Qualifications:
A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:
Be enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university AND graduating after Fall 2027
Be majoring in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027
Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math
Minimum overall GPA of 3.7
Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++
Experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing
Experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems
Prior work experience in related field
Proficiency in Microsoft office suite, version control tools such as SVN or Git
Experience with Model Based Systems engineering, digital transformation tools such as the Atlassian suite.
Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities is desired
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities