Principal Optical Engineer, Imaging & Sensing Systems

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 108,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ, seeks a Principal Optical Engineer to lead optical design, analysis, and testing of imaging and sensing systems from visible to LWIR. You will define requirements, allocate tolerances, and develop optical budgets while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure producibility.

Role involves lab tests, environmental verification, and design reviews. A Secret clearance is required, with relocation assistance and travel up to 10% as part of

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with optical systems used in imaging, sensing, or seeker applications.
• Experience with optical performance analysis and an understanding of how structural and thermal environments affect imaging quality and line of sight (e.g., STOP/SILOS concepts).
• Proficiency with optical modeling tools (e.g., ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or equivalent).
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CREO, NX, SolidWorks) to interface effectively with opto‑mechanical designs; ANSYS Mechanical experience preferred.
• Experience with optical imaging systems in one or more spectral bands (e.g., visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR).
• Demonstrated problem‑solving and strong technical communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and analysis of optical systems for imaging and sensing applications (e.g., refractive/reflective optics, relay optics, athermalized systems, objective lenses).
• Perform optical performance analyses across environmental and operational conditions.
• Develop and maintain optical error budgets, including contributions from alignment, manufacturing tolerances, thermal/structural effects, and LOS stability.
• Define optical requirements and allocate tolerances; flow requirements to optomechanical design and manufacturing.
• Collaborate with opto‑mechanical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are realizable and testable.
• Guide and review development of optomechanical designs (mounts, cells, structures) supporting alignment and environmental robustness.
• Develop and review 3D CAD models, drawings, and documentation capturing opto‑mechanical requirements.
• Support and lead laboratory and environmental test activities, including optical alignment, calibration, and test correlation.
• Participate in design reviews, presenting concepts, analyses, and results to stakeholders.
• Assist with troubleshooting and design updates for prototype and production hardware when issues arise.

Skills

Optical engineering

Imaging systems

Problem solving

Technical communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

MS/PhD in optical-related field

Tools

ZEMAX

Code V

FRED

CREO

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS Mechanical

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ, seeks a Principal Optical Engineer to lead optical design, analysis, and testing of imaging and sensing systems from visible to LWIR. You will define requirements, allocate tolerances, and develop optical budgets while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure producibility.

Role involves lab tests, environmental verification, and design reviews. A Secret clearance is required, with relocation assistance and travel up to 10% as part of