Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer - 3

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

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ seeks a Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer to join the EO Group within Launch Vehicles. You will support integration and testing of electro‑optical subsystems, work with systems engineers, and help ensure milestone success while adhering to safety and government standards.

This hands‑on role requires a strong engineering background, problem solving, and collaboration across multiple teams; DoD Secret clearance is required or to be pursued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant engineering field with 5+ years of experience.
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance at time of application.
• Familiarity with optical/electro-optical systems, lab tools, and test methodologies.
• Laboratory safety knowledge including laser safety and handling of sensitive instrumentation.
• Experience maintaining or organizing laboratory spaces.

Responsibilities

• Support integration and testing of electro-optical subsystems (EO), including hardware setup and test execution.
• Assist in developing and reviewing test plans based on system requirements.
• Execute tests, collect data, and contribute to analysis to verify performance.
• Calibrate and maintain optical test equipment and lab environments.
• Document test results and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, design teams, and program management to meet milestones.
• Follow all safety and regulatory standards for lab activities.
• Participate in team meetings and training to grow skills.
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Hands-on testing

Team collaboration

Technical writing

Laboratory safety

Laboratory setup

Data analysis tools

Python

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Optical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Zemax

Code V

FRED

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer to support the Electro-Optics (EO) Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.

Responsibilities

• Support the integration and testing of electro-optical subsystems (EO), including hardware set-up, configuration, and execution of test procedures under supervision.
• Assist in the development and review of test plans and procedures based on detailed system requirements and design documentation.
• Execute assigned test activities, collect and record data, and contribute to the analysis to help verify system and component performance.
• Help maintain, calibrate, and prepare optical test equipment and laboratory environments.
• Document test results and prepare clear test reports for review by program stakeholders.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, design teams, and program management to support program milestones and technical objectives.
• Follow all company, safety, and government standards for lab and test activities.
• Participate in technical team meetings and training to grow skills and contribute to team success.
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives as appropriate.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance at the time of application.
• Familiarity with optical or electro-optical systems handling, laboratory tools, and test methodologies (coursework, projects, or internships).
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, including laser safety, electrical safety, and handling of sensitive instrumentation.
• Experience maintaining or organizing laboratory spaces (inventory management, equipment tracking, or workspace cleanliness initiatives).
• Interest in hands-on integration and testing of complex hardware.
• Good organization, communication, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and receive guidance from senior engineers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at the time of application.
• Experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or high-reliability EO applications.
• Experience with EO imaging systems (visible to infrared), alignment, or testing (project or internship).
• Hands on experience with optical alignment, laboratory setups, or working with optical hardware, fixtures, and precision instruments.
• Knowledge of laboratory instruments (autocollimators, theodolites, lasers), or hands-on hardware integration.
• Experience with (or coursework in) optical design or analysis software (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED).
• Exposure to data analysis tools (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python) through coursework or projects.
• Demonstrated participation in team-based technical projects or internships.

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,200.00 - $162,400.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

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. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.