Staff Navigation Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Los Angeles, CA +1 · Systems/Architecture/Test

Staff Navigation Systems Engineer role at Northrop Grumman, focusing on the design and implementation of model-based navigation software. Responsibilities include architecting navigation algorithms, defining technical roadmaps, leading a multidisciplinary team, and representing the company at technical conferences. Requires expertise in sensor fusion, state estimation algorithms (Kalman filters), and INS mechanizations.

What you'd actually do

  1. Architect and guide the implementation of cutting‑edge navigation algorithms, software, and system integrations.
  2. Define and execute the technical roadmap for navigation‑performance analysis across lab and flight‑test environments.
  3. Own communication channels with program leadership, external customers, and cross‑functional partners.
  4. Champion collaborations with internal and external experts to pioneer next‑generation navigation and timing technologies.
  5. Lead a multidisciplinary team of navigation and timing specialists in a collaborative, high‑performing culture.

Skills

Required

  • 12 years of Engineering experience with a Bachelor of Science in a STEM discipline; 10 years of Engineering experience with Masters; 8 years with a PhD
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
  • Ability to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills, CA
  • Expertise in Sensor Fusion for Navigation Systems using IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), GPS, barometers, and other sensors.
  • Expertise in advanced state-estimation algorithms such as Extended Kalman Filtering, Unscented Kalman Filtering, Particle Filtering.
  • Expertise in INS (Inertial Navigation System) mechanizations.
  • Expertise in Embedded INS/GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation systems.

Nice to have

  • Familiarity with Assured Position Navigation & Timing (APNT) solutions for GPS Denied Environments.
  • Familiarity of signal selection, acquisition and tracking, Position, Velocity, and Time (PVT) calculation, data demodulation, signal correction.
  • Familiarity with algorithm development for satellite acquisition, tracking, and receiver measurement formation
  • Familiarity with military navigation modernization particularly M-code signal processing and capabilities.
  • Familiarity with design of tracking loops, including characterization of platform dynamics, environmental/interference effects.
  • Familiarity with Timing and Distributed Clock Algorithms.
  • Expertise in multi-sensor synchronization and calibration.
  • Expertise in noise modeling and covariance tuning.
  • Expertise in state estimation for position, velocity, and attitude determination.

What the JD emphasized

  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance