GNC Engineer: HWIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) – Level 2/3 (Chandler)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Chandler
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE TYPE: None TRAVEL: No 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. If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As a GNC Engineer: HWIL – Level 2 or Level 3 your role at Chandler, AZ will be pivotal in supporting missions critical to national and global security. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. Ready to join forces with our visionary team? Our GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) Engineers design, develop, implement, verify and test algorithms and software and simulation tools to perform guidance, navigation and control of missiles, launch vehicles and upper stages powered and coast phases of launch, flight, earth orbit, interplanetary cruise and orbital insertion, as well as during staging events. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Your mission, should you choose to accept: Integrate actual GNC hardware with a high-fidelity software simulation to perform system-level tests for validating flight software design. Conduct HWIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) or RTCL (Real-Time Closed Loop) testing to create a closed-loop system that realistically tests control algorithms. Detect and address potential issues early, such as: Hardware imperfections Sensor noise Timing issues Bridge the gap between pure software simulation and real-world space/flight conditions. 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 2 or Level 3. Basic Qualifications for Level 2: Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 0 years of professional experience. Will consider an additional 4 years of experience in lieu of degree. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance Proficiency in programming languages: MATLAB , Python , C++ . Object-Oriented Software Development: Experience with C/C++ in a Linux environment. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Familiarity with environments like RedHat or RedHawk. Hardware testing experience. Strong written, verbal communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to troubleshoot complex systems effectively. Basic Qualifications for 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. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance Proficiency in programming languages: MATLAB , Python , C++ . Object-Oriented Software Development: Experience with C/C++ in a Linux environment. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Familiarity with environments like RedHat or RedHawk. Hardware testing experience. Strong written, verbal communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to troubleshoot complex systems effectively. Preferred Qualifications: FPGA Development: Proficiency in design and implementation using VHDL . Satellite Simulation Communication: Experience with SAT SIM tools like Spirent and CAST . Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL): Skilled in design, testing, and integration of real-time HWIL systems. Serial Communication Protocols: Understanding and experience with relevant protocols. Proficiency in programming languages: MATLAB and Python . Security Clearance: Active DoD Secret security clearance. Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space 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 Primary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00 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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Tucson , GNC Engineer: HWIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) – Level 2/3 (Chandler), IT / Software / Systems , Chandler, Arizona