Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal / Sr. Principal Controls Engineer – Systems Signal Architecture & Controller Integration. This position is located in Roy, UT supporting the Sentinel program.
What You’ll Do:
You will join the Sentinel Launch Systems Infrastructure team as a controls engineer focused on systems signal architecture and controller operations for both COTS controllers and custom hardware. In this role, you will define and integrate control system signal architectures, select and configure controllers, and ensure robust, testable interfaces across facility, launch, and mission equipment subsystems.
The ideal candidate understands how weapon system and facility requirements drive control system behavior, and can translate those needs into controller configurations, I/O mappings, communication networks, and testable requirements. You will work closely with electrical, systems, software, and test engineering to deliver safe, reliable, and maintainable control solutions.
Controls & Signal Architecture Ownership
Develop and maintain the end to end signal architecture for assigned systems, including I/O lists, signal types, addressing, and routing. Ensure clean segregation of safety critical, mission critical, and non critical signals.
Controller Integration (COTS & Custom) Specify, configure, and integrate COTS controllers (e.g., PLCs, PACs, motion controllers, data acquisition hardware) and custom control hardware. Implement control logic, I/O mapping, and fault handling to meet system performance and safety requirements.
Requirements & Interface Definition
Translate system level requirements into control system and signal level requirements. Develop interface control documents (ICDs), control narratives, and sequence of operations to align hardware, software, and facility teams.
Modeling, Simulation & Analysis
Use analytical tools and models (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, similar platforms) to evaluate control strategies, timing, and performance. Support trade studies to select architectures, networks, and controller technologies.
Test, Verification & Troubleshooting
Develop and execute test plans, procedures, and automated test sequences for controller hardware and software. Support integration labs, hardware in the loop (HIL) setups, and field test activities, including root cause analysis (RCA) for control system anomalies.
Cross Functional Collaboration Work closely with electrical power, facility, mechanical, software, and systems engineering to ensure controls solutions align with power distribution, instrumentation, and mechanical actuation. Coordinate changes and maintain configuration control of control system artifacts.
Documentation & Configuration Management
Create and maintain engineering documentation including control schematics, signal lists, controller configuration baselines, test procedures, and as built updates. Ensure all artifacts meet program, customer, and configuration management requirements.
Continuous Improvement & Support
Identify opportunities to improve reliability, maintainability, and testability of control systems. Support proposals, design reviews, and technical interchanges by providing controls engineering expertise.
Basic Qualifications:
T03-Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5+ years of relevant experience; or 3+ years with a Master’s; or 1+ years with a PhD.
T04-Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 8+ years of relevant experience; or 6+ years with a Master’s; or 4+ years with a PhD.
U.S. Citizenship with an Active DoD Secret clearance or higher (awarded within the past 6 years), and the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) certification.
5+ years of experience in control system design and integration, including development of signal architectures, I/O lists, and controller configurations for complex systems (industrial, aerospace, defense, or similar).
Hands on experience configuring and operating COTS controllers (e.g., PLCs, PACs, industrial controllers, DAQ modules) and integrating them with sensors, actuators, and higher level control or monitoring systems.
Experience designing, implementing, or supporting control systems for ground, facility, launch, or mission equipment systems, with an understanding of how system level requirements drive control logic and interfaces.
Experience with one or more control/analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, LabVIEW, PLC programming environments) and familiarity with relevant industry or military standards for control and instrumentation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated success collaborating across multi disciplinary engineering teams and engaging with stakeholders to resolve technical and schedule challenges.
Preferred Qualifications:
Breadth in Control Technologies – Experience with a range of controller platforms (e.g., Allen Bradley, Siemens, NI, Schneider, or equivalent) and familiarity with integrating COTS controllers with custom electronic hardware.
Networked Control Systems – Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus/TCP, CAN, RS 485, MIL STD 1553, or similar) and experience designing and troubleshooting control networks.
EMI/EMC & Environmental Considerations – Understanding of EMI/EMC, grounding/shielding, and environmental constraints as they impact signal integrity and control hardware performance.
Model Based & Requirements Tools – Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., Cameo, MagicDraw) and/or requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS), including traceability from system requirements to control system implementation and test.
Test & Automation Experience – Experience developing automated test scripts, HIL environments, or integration test stands for verification of controllers and signal architectures.
DoD / Acquisition Familiarity – Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, milestone reviews, and government contracting, including authorship and release of engineering documentation for formal reviews.
Professional Credentials – Electrical/Controls Professional Engineering (P.E.) license, Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP), or relevant industry certifications preferred.
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, 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. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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