GNC Engineer: Aerodynamics - Level 5 (Secret) Chandler (AHT)

Northrop Grumman • Chandler, AZ

2d • $152,900 - $229,300 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is hiring a Level 5 GNC Aerodynamics Engineer for its GNC Aerodynamics Engineering Team in Chandler, Arizona. The role leads advanced aerodynamic design for launch vehicles and supports the work from conceptual and preliminary analyses through integration, testing, and flight-related development. Aerodynamics work includes evaluating mission performance, stability and control, propulsion, and mass properties, as well as developing aerodynamic models for six-degree-of-freedom simulations and supporting wind tunnel test programs.

The engineer provides technical leadership, coordinates tasks and schedules with program teams and other leads, reviews team work, and presents technical findings to management, senior leadership, and customers. Work spans subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and rarefied flow regimes, including aeroelastic and venting analyses. This position is 100% on-site and follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Travel is 10% of the time. The position requires an active U.S. Government Secret clearance at application and is contingent on obtaining final clearances and program access within a reasonable period as determined by the company.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and 10 years of professional experience, or a Ph.D. and 8 years of professional experience; an additional 4 or more years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with six-degree-of-freedom aerodynamic model development.
• Experience with Python and the Linux operating system.
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with autopilot and guidance algorithm design, navigation, and actuator subsystems.
• Experience with wind tunnel test planning and execution.
• Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Experience combining multiple data sources to create a cohesive aerodynamic six-degree-of-freedom model.
• Proven cross-functional technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of advanced launch vehicle aerodynamic designs from conceptual and preliminary analyses through integration and testing.
• Perform aerodynamic configuration trade studies evaluating mission performance, static and dynamic stability and control, propulsion, and mass properties.
• Develop aerodynamic models for six-degree-of-freedom launch vehicle simulations, including table generation with logical dependencies, uncertainty analyses, and verification and validation techniques.
• Design and support wind tunnel testing programs.
• Present technical findings to management and senior leadership through design reviews, program milestones, technical reports, proposals, and formal customer presentations.
• Prepare and plan staffing requirements to support rocket vehicle development from concept to flight.
• Manage tasks and schedules to coordinate work with program teams and other leads.
• Assign, monitor, and review team work for accuracy.
• Apply aerodynamic experience across subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and rarefied flow regimes.
• Use aerodynamic computer analysis programs and industry codes, including Fluent, DSMC, Loci-Chem, Fun3D, Cart3D, and Missile Datcom.
• Lead transonic and supersonic wind tunnel testing and evaluation.
• Conduct launch vehicle aeroelastic analyses, including distributed loads and deflected vehicle effects.
• Address launch vehicle venting analysis requirements and engineering methodologies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.

What This Job Offers

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