Principal Optical Engineer – EO Imaging & Seeker

0902 SP - Launch Vehicles; United States; On-site; USD 108,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead optical design and analysis for seeker systems in Launch Vehicles. You will work within an interdisciplinary team on imaging and sensing hardware for development and flight experiments.

The role requires a strong background in optical modeling, 3D CAD, and environmental testing, with a Secret clearance and DoD program familiarity. Collaboration and clear documentation are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering or related field with relevant experience.
• Experience with optical performance analysis and sensitivity to environmental effects.
• Proficiency with optical modeling tools and mechanical/CAD interfaces.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical systems for imaging and sensing applications.
• Perform wavefront, MTF, LOS analyses across conditions.
• Define optical requirements and tolerances across system levels.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure manufacturability and testability.
• Lead lab and environmental test activities including alignment and verification.
• Present design concepts and test results to stakeholders.

Skills

Optical design

ZEMAX

Code V

FRED

3D CAD

CREO

NX

SolidWorks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering

Master’s degree

PhD

Tools

ZEMAX

Code V

FRED

CREO

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead optical design and analysis for seeker systems in Launch Vehicles. You will work within an interdisciplinary team on imaging and sensing hardware for development and flight experiments.

The role requires a strong background in optical modeling, 3D CAD, and environmental testing, with a Secret clearance and DoD program familiarity. Collaboration and clear documentation are essential for success.