Guidance Navigation and Control Intern

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    Northrop Grumman

    10,001+ employeesFounded 1994Falls Church, VADefense and Space Manufacturing
    Actively hiringPaidSummer 2027Defense and Space Manufacturing
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    Best applied by Sep 17

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    About the role#

    Northrop Grumman is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) intern to join the Space Systems program in Dulles, Virginia. You will work within the GNC subsystem team to design, build, and test components for Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial customers. Depending on your interests, you may focus on GNC analysis, GNC components, or a combination of both.

    What you'll do#

    • Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques.
    • Develop and tune sequential filters for attitude determination and relative navigation.
    • Build simulation models for sensors, actuators, system dynamics, and the space environment.
    • Implement GNC algorithms in flight software and assist with qualification testing.
    • Perform early design phase analysis, including sensor and actuator sizing and placement.
    • Manage component procurements as a technical lead by working with supply chain teams and suppliers.
    • Integrate and test GNC components while coordinating across multiple subsystems.
    • Document designs and test results, creating presentation materials for internal and external customers.
    • Apply engineering principles related to vehicle dynamics, propulsion, and estimation theory.

    What you'll need#

    • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in Aerospace, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, with a graduation date after Fall 2027.
    • Ability to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during Summer 2027.
    • U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
    • Preferred qualifications include an MS or PhD degree, a minimum 3.7 GPA, and the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance.
    • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++.
    • Experience with spacecraft GNC design, embedded systems, version control tools like Git or SVN, and the Atlassian suite.
    • Previous work experience or leadership roles in professional groups and extracurricular activities.

    Location & details#

    • Location: Dulles, Virginia.
    • Term: Summer 2027.
    • Modality: On-site.
    • Employment type: Full-time internship.

    About Northrop Grumman

    Northrop Grumman is a defense and space manufacturing company founded in 1994. It operates globally and maintains a workforce of over 86,000 employees. The company focuses on areas including autonomous systems, cyber security, space, and logistics. Its headquarters are located in Falls Church, Virginia.

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