2027 Guidance Navigation and Control Intern Dulles VA

Relocation assistance may be available. U.S. citizenship is required.

About the role

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history — from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.

An internship at Northrop Grumman offers the chance to learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. You’ll also gain pride in what you’ve accomplished.

This position is part of the Space Systems Intern Program and will be located in Dulles, VA. The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) team designs, builds, and tests spacecraft components for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We lead in innovative solutions for space-based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites.

Responsibilities

A Spacecraft GNC Analysis Engineer is expected to:

• Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques
• Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g., Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation
• Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools
• Implement GNC algorithms in flight software and support flight software qualification testing
• Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development, including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, and predicted performance assessments
• Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g., star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g., reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g., rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models), and the space environment (e.g., atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential)

A Spacecraft GNC Component Engineer is expected to:

• Perform GNC component trade studies (including make/buy trades and supplier identification/research). These components may include but are not limited to star cameras, lidars, GPS receivers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, IR cameras, and space-based visible cameras
• Work with the subcontracts/supply chain team as the technical lead to manage procurements, including documentation and design reviews
• Work with the team to integrate and test all spacecraft GNC components
• Work closely with multiple suppliers, across multiple subsystems, presenting to managers and customers. Communication is a key element of your role

All GNC Engineers are expected to:

• Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company processes, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks aligned with advanced program/project goals
• Document designs, analysis, and test results, and create presentation materials
• Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
• Work well within small- to medium-sized groups

Requirements

• Be enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university, graduating after Fall 2027
• Be majoring in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027
• Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
• MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.7
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++
• Experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing
• Experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems
• Prior work experience in a related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, version control tools such as SVN or Git
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering, digital transformation tools such as the Atlassian suite
• Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities