Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer - 3

Northrop Grumman; United States; 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, is seeking a Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer to support the Seeker IPT and lead integration and testing of EO hardware. The role requires a Bachelor's in a related field and 5 years of relevant experience, or a Master's, and the ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have hands-on experience with optical systems, testing, and documentation; travel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; 5+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree.
• Ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance at application time.
• Experience with optical/electro-optical systems handling and test methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Support integration and testing of EO subsystems, including hardware setup and test execution.
• Develop and review test plans and procedures from system requirements.
• Execute tests, collect data, and help verify performance.
• Maintain and calibrate optical test equipment and lab environments.
• Document test results and prepare reports for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, design teams, and program management.
• Follow safety and government standards in lab activities.
• Participate in team meetings and training to grow skills.
• Support root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Technical writing

Hands-on hardware

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Eng / Physics / Electrical Eng / Mechanical Eng

Tools

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.

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: $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 i