Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer - 3

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Company paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer to support the Electro-Optics (EO) Group within Launch Vehicles in Chandler, Arizona. You will help integrate and test EO hardware, collaborating with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure performance at subassembly and system levels.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Optical Engineering/Physics/EE/ME (Master’s preferred), and the ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance.
• Familiarity with optical/electro-optical systems handling and lab tools.
• Experience in maintaining or organizing laboratory spaces.

Responsibilities

• Support integration and testing of electro-optical subsystems (EO) with hardware setup and test execution.
• Develop and review test plans based on system requirements and design docs.
• Execute tests, collect data, analyze results to verify performance.
• Maintain and calibrate optical test equipment and labs.
• Document results and prepare test reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, design teams, and program management.

Skills

Optical Engineering

Physics

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Test procedures

Laboratory safety

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering/Physics/EE/ME

Master’s degree

Tools

Zemax

Code V

FRED

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

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. This position supports the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT) and will assist in the integration and testing of EO hardware, working alongside senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure subassembly and system level performance. The selected candidate should excel in a fast-paced environment with diverse assignments and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

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

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.

Benefits

• 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.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.