Principal Optical Imaging & Signal Processing Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Holidays & PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, Arizona seeks a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro‑Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles unit. You will design and analyze optical systems for imaging and sensing, focusing on opto‑mechanical interfaces, tolerances, and environmental robustness.

The role requires a strong background in optical design, modeling tools, and CAD collaboration, with active Secret clearance. Relocation may be available and travel up to 10% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or related field required.
• Master’s or PhD preferred for advanced roles.
• Active Secret clearance is required at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to optical design and analysis for imaging/sensing applications across visible to LWIR.
• Perform optical performance analyses and tolerance budgeting.
• Develop and maintain optical error budgets and LOS stability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure manufacturability and testability.
• Lead evaluation of optomechanical designs and prepare design reviews.
• Support lab and environmental tests, calibrations, and correlate with analyses.
• Provide design updates and troubleshooting for prototype/production hardware.

Skills

Optical design

Imaging/sensing systems

Problem solving

Technical communication

STOP/SILOS concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

ZEMAX

Code V

FRED

CREO

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, Arizona seeks a Principal Optical Engineer to support the Electro‑Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles unit. You will design and analyze optical systems for imaging and sensing, focusing on opto‑mechanical interfaces, tolerances, and environmental robustness.

The role requires a strong background in optical design, modeling tools, and CAD collaboration, with active Secret clearance. Relocation may be available and travel up to 10% is expected.