Principal Optical Engineer - 3

Principal Optical Engineer

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.

You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary seeker engineering team responsible for optical design, analysis, integration, and test of development and flight hardware. The role is centered on optical engineering for imaging and sensing systems (visible through LWIR), with an emphasis on how opto-mechanical design and environments drive optical performance.

Responsibilities include contributing to the design and analysis of optical systems for imaging and sensing applications, performing optical performance analyses, developing and maintaining optical error budgets, performing Structurally Induced Line of Sight (SILOS) analysis, defining optical requirements, collaborating closely with opto-mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers, guiding and reviewing the development of optomechanical designs, developing and reviewing parametric 3D CAD models, supporting and sometimes leading laboratory and environmental test activities, participating in design reviews, and assisting with troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and design updates.

Basic qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 3 years of experience; or a PhD and 1 year of experience. Active U.S. Government – Secret security clearance at time of application is required. Demonstrated experience with optical systems used in imaging, sensing, or seeker applications is also required, along with experience with optical performance analysis, proficiency with optical modeling tools, experience with 3D CAD tools, and experience with optical imaging systems in one or more spectral bands.

Preferred qualifications include an MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering with a focus on optical systems, previous experience with DoD missile defense or seeker programs, hands-on experience with STOP and SILOS modeling workflows, experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or other high-reliability, environmentally challenging electro-optical applications, deep experience with EO systems, proficiency with optical design tools, and experience planning and executing optical and environmental test campaigns.

Primary level salary range: $108,200.00 – $162,400.00. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.