Dynamics and Controls: Engineer Systems Modeling & Simulation – Level 2/3

Northrop Grumman • Chandler, AZ

4d • $98,400 - $184,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman’s Mechanical Engineering Organization is seeking a Dynamics and Controls: Engineer Systems Modeling & Simulation at Level 2 or Level 3 for its Chandler, Arizona facility. Under limited supervision, the engineer will develop complex multi-body dynamic simulations of launch vehicle separation events, verify and validate simulation quality, and quantify disturbances caused by separation. The role involves working with cross-disciplinary teams to influence design maturation, incorporate control effects into dynamics simulations, and ensure simulation outputs are properly implemented and used in downstream analyses. Familiarity with guidance, navigation, and control (GN&C) algorithms is relevant to the work.

The engineer will define task scope, perform analyses using appropriate classical and computer-aided techniques, and prepare results for presentations and analysis reports. The position supports development of long-range missile defense interceptors, targets, space launch vehicles, and strike vehicles. Relocation assistance may be available. Travel is expected approximately 10% of the time. A clearance is not required to start, but the employee must be able to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.

Requirements

• Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience, or a Master’s degree in STEM and 0 years of related engineering experience.
• Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; or a Master’s degree in STEM and 3 years of related engineering experience; or a Ph.D. in STEM and 1 year of related engineering experience.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.
• Level 2: Familiarity with rigid-body dynamics, flexible-body dynamics, coordinate frame transformations, and Euler’s rotation equations.
• Level 3: In-depth knowledge of rigid-body dynamics, flexible-body dynamics, coordinate frame transformations, and Euler’s rotation equations.
• Strong interest in applied mathematics and a solid understanding of linear algebra, including vector and matrix operations, coordinate transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and applications to dynamics, controls, and simulation development.

Nice To Haves

• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance or higher at the time of application.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Proficiency in C++.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python.
• Ability to apply fundamental analytical techniques and prepare written analyses.
• Previous experience with launch vehicle control and/or separation analysis.
• Experience in sensor navigation, including inertial, radio, and/or optical navigation techniques.
• Experience in strategic missile guidance and implementation of guidance algorithms.
• Experience in trajectory optimization, nonlinear control, and/or adaptive or autonomous flight control systems.
• Experience with optimal state-estimation filters such as Kalman filters.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aerodynamic modeling, flight mechanics, and missile or re-entry vehicle dynamics.
• Familiarity with Linux.

Responsibilities

• Develop complex multi-body dynamic simulations for separation events such as fairing deployment, staging, and spacecraft separation of launch vehicles.
• Validate and verify simulation quality and quantify separation-induced disturbances.
• Work with cross-disciplinary teams to influence design maturation.
• Incorporate relevant controls effects into dynamics simulations.
• Validate the proper implementation and use of simulation outputs in downstream analyses.
• Define task scope and perform analyses using appropriate classical and computer-aided techniques.
• Prepare analysis results for presentations and reports.
• Support development of long-range missile defense interceptors, targets, space launch vehicles, and strike vehicles.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
• Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level