Principal Optical Engineer Secret Cleared Imaging Systems

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel 10%

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems invites a Principal Optical Engineer to Chandler, AZ, focusing on optical design, analysis, integration, and test for imaging and sensing systems from visible to LWIR. You will work within the Electro-Optics Group in the Launch Vehicles unit, collaborating across disciplines to ensure robust opto-mechanical performance.

The role emphasizes STOP/SILOS concepts, 3D CAD modeling, and lab test support, with opportunities to influence mission-critical hardware and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field with 5 years of experience; or advanced degrees with reduced experience.
• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at application time.
• Experience with optical systems used in imaging or seeker applications.
• Experience with optical performance analysis and environmental effects on imaging quality.
• Proficiency with optical modeling tools (ZEMAX, Code V, FRED).
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (CREO, NX, SolidWorks); ANSYS Mechanical preferred.
• Experience with imaging systems across VIS/NIR/SWIR/MWIR/LWIR bands.
• Strong communication for technical presentations.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze optical systems for imaging and sensing applications.
• Perform optical performance analyses across environmental conditions.
• Develop and maintain optical error budgets including tolerances.
• Collaborate with structural and thermal teams to ensure performance.
• Define optical requirements and allocate system-level tolerances.
• Guide optomechanical design to be realizable and testable.
• Develop 3D CAD models and drawings capturing requirements.
• Support lab and environmental tests including alignment and verification.
• Present concepts and results in design reviews to stakeholders.
• Assist with troubleshooting and design updates for prototype hardware.

Skills

Optical engineering

Imaging systems

ZEMAX/Code V

3D CAD (CREO/NX/SolidWorks)

Secrecy clearance

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering or related field

Master's degree or PhD (preferred)

Tools

ZEMAX

Code V

FRED

CREO/NX/SolidWorks

ANSYS Mechanical

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems invites a Principal Optical Engineer to Chandler, AZ, focusing on optical design, analysis, integration, and test for imaging and sensing systems from visible to LWIR. You will work within the Electro-Optics Group in the Launch Vehicles unit, collaborating across disciplines to ensure robust opto-mechanical performance.

The role emphasizes STOP/SILOS concepts, 3D CAD modeling, and lab test support, with opportunities to influence mission-critical hardware and