Engineer/Principal Engineer Survivability - Infrared Technology (California)

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach is seeking an engineer to lead optical design for lenses and components in cutting‑edge aerospace systems. You will model, simulate, test, and verify designs within an IPT, balancing performance, cost, and schedule.

The role requires active Secret clearance, relocation assistance may be available, and up to 10% travel to support customer goals across multi‑discipline teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline with 2 years related engineering experience or Master’s with 0 years.
• Demonstrated experience in optical systems design using applied theory and raytrace methods from concept to manufacturable hardware.
• Experience using Zemax, FRED, or Code V.
• Familiarity with NX and/or other CAD software.
• Familiarity with C++, CUDA, Python, and/or other programming languages.
• Strong interpersonal communication and technical writing skills.
• Active U.S. Government in-scope Secret Security Clearance; ability to obtain SAP clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead optical design for lenses and optical components for advanced technologies.
• Model, simulate, and reduce detectability of aircraft across electromagnetic, infrared, visual and acoustic spectra.
• Collaborate in a fast-paced IPT and verify designs by building and testing physical models.
• Balance customer goals with design constraints in an Integrated Product Team environment.

Skills

Optical design

Zemax

FRED

Code V

NX CAD

C++

Python

CUDA

Interpersonal communication

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM with 2 years experience

Master’s Degree in STEM with 0 years experience

PhD in STEM with 1 year experience

Tools

Zemax

FRED

Code V

NX CAD

Job description

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance Required for Start

Yes. Clearance type: Secret.

Travel

Yes, 10% of the time.

What You’ll Do

• Bring your experience in optical design to our team, acting as the responsible engineer for lenses and other optical components for cutting‑edge technologies.
• Learn to model, simulate, and reduce the detectability of aircraft in the electromagnetic, infrared, visual and acoustic spectrums.
• Thrive in a fast‑paced collaborative work environment with diverse assignments.
• Get your hands dirty and verify your predictions by building and testing physical models.
• Take responsibility for achieving customer goals and balancing the design in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment.

Basic Qualifications

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Engineer (LV2): Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 0 years of related engineering experience.
• Principal Engineer (LV3): Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience.

• Demonstrated experience in design of optical systems using applied optical theory and raytrace methods—initial concept to manufacturable hardware design.
• Demonstrated experience using tools such as Zemax, FRED, or Code V.
• Familiarity with NX and/or other computer aided design (CAD) software.
• Familiarity with C++, CUDA, Python, and/or other programming languages.
• Strong interpersonal communication and technical writing skills.
• Must have an active U.S. Government in-scope Secret Security Clearance.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience designing non‑rotationally symmetric optics.
• Experience in infrared signature analysis using test data and/or infrared simulation tools.
• Demonstrated software development experience in C++, CUDA, or Python.
• Understanding of infrared radiation physics as it relates to aircraft survivability.
• Expertise in the design, planning, and execution of both laboratory and in‑flight testing of infrared technologies.
• Experience with proposal writing and project cost estimation.
• Experience in project and/or supply‑chain management.
• A current active U.S. Government in‑scope DoD Top Secret security clearance.

Salary & Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $101,000.00 – $151,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 – $187,900.00

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses. Annual bonuses reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.

Equal Opportunity & Citizenship

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.