N

Northrop Grumman

Builds stealth bombers, missiles, and satellites

Principal / Senior Principal Modeling, Simulation & Analysis Engineer - Modeling Simulation & Analysis

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$114k - $213.4k+ Overtime + Shift differential + Discretionary annual bonus
Senior, Expert
Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, CA, USA
In PersonOnsite full-time in Woodland Hills, California; travel is 10%.
Aerospace EngineeringFlight Dynamics & GNC
No H1B Sponsorship
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • For the Principal MS&A Engineer level, a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline plus 5 years of relevant experience, a master’s degree in a STEM discipline plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline plus 1 year of relevant experience is required.
  • For the Senior Principal MS&A Engineer level, a bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline plus 8 years of relevant experience, a master’s degree in a STEM discipline plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline plus 4 years of relevant experience is required.
  • Demonstrated experience in modeling, simulation, and analysis for complex systems is required.
  • Proficiency with modeling and analysis tools such as MATLAB/Simulink and Python, or comparable environments, is required.
  • Experience processing and analyzing sensor or navigation data sets, such as IMU logs, flight test data, or laboratory data, is required.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights for design decisions and risk reduction, are required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, are required.
  • The candidate must actively contribute to cross-functional projects and collaborate with teams.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, reliable work are required.
  • The candidate must be adaptable and able to work in fast-changing, fast-paced environments.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • A current, active U.S. Government Secret clearance is required.
  • Availability to work onsite full-time in Woodland Hills, California, is required.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain physics-based models and simulations of inertial navigation systems, including sensors such as gyros and accelerometers, error sources, and environmental effects.
  • Perform Monte Carlo analyses, sensitivity studies, and trade-off analyses to assess system performance, robustness, and margins against requirements.
  • Analyze laboratory, flight, and field test data to validate models, quantify performance, and identify discrepancies between predicted and observed behavior.
  • Support requirements decomposition by providing model-based performance predictions, error budgets, and allocation rationale for key inertial navigation metrics.
  • Generate and maintain reusable simulation frameworks and toolchains, including MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C/C++ models, across programs and product lines.
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, and software engineering teams to integrate models into hardware-in-the-loop and software-in-the-loop environments for early verification of navigation algorithms and interfaces.
  • Contribute to test planning by defining model-informed test cases, corner conditions, and stress scenarios to verify navigation performance and robustness.
  • Analyze test and qualification results, investigate root causes of anomalies, and provide data-driven recommendations for design updates or calibration strategies.
  • Prepare technical documentation and artifacts, including modeling assumptions, validation reports, analysis briefs, and executive-level presentations summarizing navigation performance, risks, and mitigation options.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers in modeling, simulation, and data analysis methods, and promote best practices and knowledge sharing across disciplines.
  • Drive continuous improvement in modeling, simulation, and analysis processes, tools, and standards for inertial navigation products, including model reuse, configuration management, and lessons-learned documentation.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Master’s degree or PhD in a STEM field, particularly Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related technical management.
  • Experience with inertial navigation systems, IMU modeling, navigation algorithms, or closely related estimation or control systems.
  • Experience with Guidance, Navigation, and Control, Kalman filtering, state estimation, or sensor fusion algorithms.
  • Experience integrating, validating, or troubleshooting software and simulation models within hardware environments, including hardware-in-the-loop, software-in-the-loop, laboratory integration, or equivalent.
  • Experience with C/C++ or Python to support algorithm development or system integration.
  • A proven track record supporting program milestones such as SRR, SFR, PDR, and CDR, with specific contributions from modeling and analysis.

About the company

N

Northrop Grumman

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Northrop Grumman builds military aircraft, missiles, rocket motors, satellites, and electronic systems, mostly for the American military and allied governments. It designed the B-2 stealth bomber and built NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, the largest telescope ever sent to space. The company works through four businesses: aircraft, missiles and ammunition, radar and communications systems, and space hardware such as satellites and solid rocket boosters. Most revenue comes from long-term government contracts, many of them classified. Its roots go back to Northrop Aircraft, founded in 1939, and it took its name after buying Grumman in 1994 and is based in Falls Church, Virginia.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Founded

1939

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Orders are piling up: $20 billion of awards lifted backlog to a record $104.7 billion in July 2026.
  • Schedules give time back: many Northrop sites use a 9/80 plan with every other Friday off.
  • Management sees more growth: Northrop raised 2026 sales guidance to $43.75 billion to $44.25 billion in July 2026.

What critics are saying

  • Fixed-price programs keep biting: July 2026 results showed $159 million of charges on SiAW missile and GEM 63XL booster work.
  • Staff numbers are slipping: headcount fell to about 95,000 in December 2025 from about 97,000 a year earlier.
  • One customer decides your program's fate: the U.S. government bought 84% of Northrop's 2025 sales.

What makes Northrop Grumman unique

  • Northrop is building America's next land-based nuclear missile: Sentinel, with its first flight test due in 2027.
  • Northrop holds the Air Force's next bomber: the B-21 Raider, with at least 100 planes planned.
  • Northrop resupplies the space station: its Cygnus XL ship delivered over 11,000 pounds of NASA cargo in April 2026.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Performance Bonus

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

-1%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

-1%
Asianet News
Oct 21st, 2026
NOC stock eyes third green week: Northrop Grumman CEO sees strong demand across defense and space as backlog surges to $110B.

NOC stock eyes third green week: Northrop Grumman CEO sees strong demand across defense and space as backlog surges to $110B. Published: Oct 21 2026, 12:00 PM IST * FB * TW * Linkdin * Whatsapp * GNFollow Us Record backlog, higher revenue, and raised guidance signal strong defense demand. * Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden said the company's Q3 book-to-bill ratio reached 1.5 times, lifting its backlog to a record $110 billion. * Warden highlighted strong demand for defense, space and autonomous technologies. * The company advanced Sentinel missile development, completing a key assembly milestone in Q3. Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC) stock is heading for its third straight weekly gain as the defense contractor reported strong demand across its aerospace and defense businesses. CEO Kathy Warden highlighted a record $110 billion backlog, while fiscal third-quarter (Q3) 2026 sales rose 7% year-on-year and the company raised its 2026 outlook. Northrop Grumman stock edged 0.3% lower overnight ahead of Wednesday, after a nearly 5% gain in regular session. The stock is up 2.7% so far this week. Northrop's record backlog reflects strong customer demand. Speaking during the Q3 earnings call, Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden said customers are more frequently relying on Northrop Grumman for advanced capabilities designed to operate in challenging security environments. "We have leading roles in the strategic triad, space superiority, microelectronics and homeland defense. We also offer innovative and cost-effective solutions in emerging market segments, including counter-UAS and autonomous systems," said Warden. Northrop Grumman received more orders than the revenue it earned in Q3, with a 1.5 book-to-bill ratio. This pushed its total backlog to a record $110 billion. Sentinel and satellite network expansion gains momentum. Northrop's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program continues to progress through development and testing. "In the quarter, we completed the first full vertical assembly of an inert missile at Vandenberg Space Force Base and gained approval from the U.S. Air Force on Sentinel design maturity for first flight to proceed in 2027. This program is a key growth driver this year and throughout the 2030s as we complete the development and transition into production," said Warden. Northrop Grumman's Space Systems division provides satellites and ground equipment for a U.S. military network designed to improve communications and tracking from space. "In the next 6 months, we expect a sustained cadence of launches with nearly 50 of our 150 satellites planned for deployment to support transport and tracking missions." Northrop Grumman's higher revenue and earnings. In Q3, the Virginia-based defense contractor reported $11.1 billion in revenue with $7.89 earnings per share. While revenue matched Street expectations, earnings beat the $7.18 estimate, according to Fiscal.ai. The company secured $16.4 billion in new awards during the quarter. Major awards included $2 billion for the Sentinel program, $1.4 billion tied to Virginia-class submarines, and $1.3 billion for the F-35 program. Northrop increased its segment operating income range to $4.94 billion - $5.04 billion from $4.85 billion - $5 billion. NOC stock: retail view. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the stock improved to 'extremely bullish' from 'bullish' territory the previous day. The stock saw a whopping 1,650% surge in message volume over the past week, with watchers up 0.3%. A user said, "STRONG BULLISH CATALYST. Defense momentum is accelerating!" For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.< Stay updated with all the latest Business News, including market trends, Share Market News, stock updates, taxation, IPOs, banking, finance, real estate, savings, and investments. Track daily Gold Price changes, updates on DA Hike, and the latest developments on the 8th Pay Commission. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates to make informed financial decisions. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store to stay ahead in business. 0 Comments / 0 New

Air Data News
Oct 21st, 2026
Northrop reveals CCA strategy behind YFQ-48A Talon Blue.

Northrop reveals CCA strategy behind YFQ-48A Talon Blue. Company is testing autonomy systems from other developers and pursuing opportunities beyond its own unmanned aircraft October 21, 2026 06:37 Northrop Grumman has revealed new details about the strategy behind its YFQ-48A Talon Blue, showing that the unmanned aircraft is also being used to develop and test technologies that could control other Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). CEO Kathy Warden discussed the program during the company's third-quarter earnings call on Tuesday. Northrop is developing Talon Blue with Scaled Composites. The company is pairing the aircraft with Talon IQ, an open architecture designed to integrate autonomous systems and provide command and control for collaborative aircraft. Warden said Northrop has already integrated autonomy software from about six other companies into its testbed. The company has demonstrated that the different systems can operate within its architecture and has also controlled third-party aircraft. The approach could allow Northrop to participate in future CCA programs without requiring customers to adopt both an aircraft and autonomy software developed by the company. Northrop did not compete for the first increment of the U.S. Air Force CCA program. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril were selected to build the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, respectively, with both aircraft now undergoing flight testing. Northrop is positioning the YFQ-48A for subsequent opportunities. Warden said the company is working with several U.S. customers to define requirements for the next generation of collaborative aircraft and is also discussing the concept with potential international customers. Talon Blue made its first flight in Mojave, California, in September. The aircraft was developed rapidly by Scaled Composites, a Northrop subsidiary known for experimental aircraft programs, and carries the civil registration N444LX. The YFQ-48A designation indicates that the U.S. military has formally classified the aircraft as an experimental unmanned fighter. Images released after its first flight showed a single-engine aircraft with a conventional tail and a configuration considerably different from the tailless designs adopted by the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A. Warden said Northrop is developing a family of collaborative aircraft designed around affordability and the ability to be manufactured at scale rather than waiting for final requirements from future competitions. The work could position the YFQ-48A and Talon IQ for the U.S. Air Force's next CCA increment and other programs, including the U.S. Marine Corps' Marine Air-Ground Task Force Unmanned Aerial System Expeditionary (MUX) initiative. Ricardo meier. Journalist covering the aerospace industry for over 20 years, with a focus on data and long-term industry trends.

Yahoo Finance
Oct 21st, 2026
Northrop Grumman shares jump 4% as Q3 sales rise 7% to $11.1B on defence demand

Shares of Northrop Grumman rose more than 4% on Tuesday after the aerospace giant pointed to rising demand for its national security products. Third-quarter sales grew 7% year on year to $11.1 billion. Aeronautics systems revenue jumped 14% to $3.6 billion, and defense systems sales rose 12% to $2.3 billion, helped by the B-21 stealth bomber, F-35 strike fighter, and Sentinel missile. Net earnings rose 2% to $1.1 billion, or $7.89 per share, beating analysts' expectations of $7.18. Net awards of $16.4 billion lifted the order backlog to $109.6 billion. Northrop expects 2026 net sales of $44 billion and free cash flow of $3.1 billion to $3.5 billion. "Globally, we continue to witness unprecedented levels of demand for defense capabilities," chief executive officer Kathy Warden said.

Yahoo Finance
Oct 20th, 2026
Northrop Grumman and RTX raise profit forecasts as rearmament drives $1.5T Pentagon budget bets

Northrop Grumman and RTX raised their annual profit forecasts after strong third-quarter results, citing robust demand for military aircraft, missiles and defence programmes. Both firms reported growing backlogs. Northrop posted earnings per share of $7.89, against $7.19 expected. RTX reported adjusted earnings per share of $2.26 and sales of $24.965 billion. The US military has used up large stocks of Patriot missiles, Tomahawk missiles, and THAAD interceptors in Ukraine and Iran. Only a few prime contractors can make the replacements. William Blair analysts, after attending an Association of the US Army conference, say customers are already placing orders ahead of the 2027 funding bill. The firm assumes Congress will give the Pentagon about $1.5 trillion.

AeroHaber
Oct 18th, 2026
Artemis II splashes down safely as NASA shifts launch schedule to aggressive eight-month tempo.

Artemis II splashes down safely as NASA shifts launch schedule to aggressive eight-month tempo. 18 October 2026, 16:26 published 3min, 13sc The crewed Artemis 2 launch and lunar flyby mission has formally concluded with the safe Pacific Ocean splashdown of the Orion spacecraft, clearing the path for an aggressive operational shift. NASA and its commercial partners are now accelerating the lunar programme from a two-year launch cadence down to a rapid eight-month cycle. High-intensity multi-spacecraft processing is underway to support that compressed timeline, fundamentally reshaping the international race back to the lunar surface. Following Orion's atmospheric entry and recovery, engineering divisions at Kennedy Space Centre and manufacturing facilities across the United States have pivoted immediately to subsequent flights. With Artemis II securing operational validation for deep-space life support and abort architectures, parallel production lines are already active. Spacecraft modules and flight hardware for the subsequent three lunar expeditions are moving through assembly and testing side by side. The successful return of the Artemis II crew module marked the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit in over half a century. Critical post-reentry operations relied heavily on the crew module uprighting system, which deployed five vibrant orange flotation spheres in rolling ocean swells to orient the capsule properly prior to astronaut recovery. "We were just freaking out - everything felt like it was moving in slow motion. It felt like hours from the time Orion entered our atmosphere until the astronauts safely emerged from the spacecraft." Ground controllers tracked live telemetry streaming between mission hubs, confirming the full operational functionality of recovery systems. The extreme thermal environment of atmospheric entry scorched Orion's protective outer hull, yet internal crew systems sustained nominal operating parameters throughout the descent sequence. Parallel to the splashdown evaluation, astronaut recognition highlights the scale of industrial collaboration backing the hardware. Crew member Christina Koch presented nine propulsion specialists at Northrop Grumman's Promontory facility with the prestigious NASA Silver Snoopy Award - an honour reserved for fewer than one percent of the aerospace workforce for exceptional contributions to flight safety. The twin solid rocket boosters delivered 7.2 million pounds of thrust during ascent, supplying more than 75% of total vehicle thrust at lift-off alongside critical launch abort systems. To grasp the scale of the upcoming flight schedule, the following operational breakdown details the progression between the completed crewed test flight and the missions currently occupying active cleanrooms: A widespread misconception across space exploration coverage assumes that launch providers assemble and verify one giant rocket at a time, moving sequentially from one mission to the next. In reality, NASA contractor Lockheed Martin is running parallel operations inside the Kennedy Space Centre, running active tests on the flight hardware for Artemis III, IV, and V simultaneously under single-facility roofs. Propulsion engineers support 24-hour testing shifts, rotating day and night teams to keep pace with the revised schedule. Operations involve pressurising Orion service module propellant tanks to hundreds of pounds per square inch to certify structural integrity under deep-space loads. Testing hardware that houses reactive propellants requires extreme physical protocols to preserve ground personnel and spaceflight assets: Workforce scaling directly reflects this ramp-up. Specialized test engineering divisions are expanding from 70 to over 100 dedicated personnel to accommodate round-the-clock shift rotations. With booster stacking already finalised for Artemis III, teams are refining Orion's rendezvous capabilities to dock with commercial lunar landers once crews reach lunar orbit. The shift to an eight-month launch cadence marks the most intensive deep-space flight rate attempted since the Apollo era. Ground tracking and post-flight analyses from Artemis II continue to shape the final assembly checks for upcoming surface missions. Follow its continuous spaceflight coverage as NASA and international partners advance towards scheduled lunar surface landings.