GNC Engineer: Aerodynamics - Level 4 (Secret) Chandler (AHT)
About The Position
Northrop Grumman is hiring a Sr. Principal Engineer for its GNC Aerodynamics Engineering Team in Chandler, Arizona. The role leads advanced aerodynamic design for launch vehicles and supports wind tunnel experimentation through the phases from conceptual and preliminary analysis to integration and testing. The position is 100% on-site and follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Travel is 10%. The position requires an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at application, and continued employment is contingent upon obtaining final clearances and program access within a reasonable period as determined by the company. The engineer develops launch vehicle aerodynamic models for 6-degree-of-freedom simulations, conducts configuration trade studies, and assesses effects on mission performance, stability, control, propulsion, and mass properties. The role also involves wind tunnel testing, flight-regime analyses, aeroelastic analyses, and launch vehicle venting analysis. The engineer presents technical findings and coordinates staffing, schedules, and team work across program organizations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of professional experience, or a master’s degree and 6 years, or a Ph.D. and 4 years; 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 6DOF 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 6DOF model.
- Proven cross-functional technical leadership.
Responsibilities
- Lead advanced launch vehicle aerodynamic design through conceptual and preliminary analyses, integration, and testing.
- Perform aerodynamic configuration trade studies on mission performance, including static and dynamic stability and control, propulsion, and mass properties.
- Develop aerodynamic models for 6-degree-of-freedom launch vehicle simulation models, including table generation with logical dependencies, uncertainty analyses, and verification and validation techniques.
- Design and support wind tunnel testing programs.
- Present technical work and findings through design reviews, program milestones, technical reports, proposals, and formal customer presentations.
- Prepare and plan staffing requirements to support rocket vehicle design development from concept to flight.
- Manage tasks and schedules to coordinate 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 legacy 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
- Health insurance coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Savings plan
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus
- Relocation assistance may be available
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
