Gnc Engineer: Hwil (hardware-in-the-loop) – Level 1/2 (chandler)

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Chandler, AZ +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

This role involves designing, developing, implementing, verifying, and testing algorithms and software for guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) of missiles and launch vehicles. It focuses on integrating hardware with high-fidelity simulations for system-level tests, specifically using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) or Real-Time Closed Loop (RTCL) testing to validate flight software and control algorithms in realistic space/flight conditions.

What you'd actually do

  1. Integrate actual GNC hardware with a high-fidelity software simulation to perform system-level tests for validating flight software design.
  2. Conduct HWIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) or RTCL (Real-Time Closed Loop) testing to create a closed-loop system that realistically tests control algorithms.
  3. Detect and address potential issues early, such as: Hardware imperfections, Sensor noise, Timing issues
  4. Bridge the gap between pure software simulation and real-world space/flight conditions.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree with 0 years of professional experience OR PhD with 1 year of professional experience (for Level 2)
  • 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

Nice to have

  • 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
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance

What the JD emphasized

  • HWIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop)
  • RTCL (Real-Time Closed Loop)
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • C++
  • Object-Oriented Software Development
  • Linux
  • Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
  • Hardware testing experience
  • FPGA Development
  • VHDL
  • Satellite Simulation Communication
  • Spirent
  • CAST
  • Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL)
  • Serial Communication Protocols
  • MATLAB
  • Python
  • DoD Secret security clearance