Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Systems - Radiometric

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 114,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman seeks engineers to develop EO/IR radiometric budgets and performance trade studies. You will perform end-to-end SNR and calibration analyses using MATLAB, Python, and specialized software, interfacing with hardware teams for detector and optics plans.

Senior or lead roles expect advanced radiometric modeling, cross-functional leadership, and experience with system-level performance for space or defense missions.

Qualifications

• B.S. with 5+ years, M.S. with 3+ years, or PhD with 1+ year in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years radiometric analysis experience for imaging or hyperspectral sensors.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data analysis and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain EO/IR radiometric budgets, error budgets, and trade studies.
• Conduct end-to-end SNR, radiometric resolution, and calibration analyses.
• Interface with hardware teams to define detector characteristics and on-board processing needs.
• Support trade-off studies for detector, optics, and data-rate constraints.
• Participate in calibration and test planning, execution, and data analysis.
• Provide technical input for schedules, risk assessments, and cost estimates.
• Prepare technical reports and briefings; mentor junior engineers.

Skills

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Radiometric analysis

Optical design tools

Education

B.S. Electrical Engineering

M.S. Applied Physics

PhD (preferred)

Tools

Zemax

FRED

Code V

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Electro Optical Infrared (EO/IR) radiometric budgets, error‑budget models, and performance trade studies.
• Conduct end‑to‑end signal‑to‑noise‑ratio (SNR), radiometric resolution, and calibration analyses using tools such as MATLAB, Python, and/or specialized radiometric simulation software.
• Interface with hardware teams to define detector characteristics, optics throughput, and on‑board processing requirements.
• Support trade‑off studies for detector selection, optics designs, and data‑rate constraints.
• Participate in calibration and test planning, execution, and post‑test data analysis for laboratory, ground‑support, and flight‑test campaigns.
• Provide technical input for program schedules, risk assessments, and cost estimates.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge‑sharing initiatives within the EO/IR Radiometric Engineering community.

Basic Qualifications - Level 3

• B.S. with a minimum of 5 years of experience, M.S. with a minimum of 3 years of experience, or PhD a minimum of with 1 year of experience in Electrical Engineering Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years of engineering experience with radiometric analysis for imaging or hyperspectral sensors.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data analysis and modeling.
• Familiarity with optical design tools (e.g., Zemax, FRED, Code V).
• Understanding of detector physics, noise sources, point source characterization, and calibration methods.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Communication

Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to produce clear technical documentation.

Basic Qualifications - Level 4

• B.S. with a minimum of 8 years of experience, M.S. with a minimum of 6 years of experience, or PhD a minimum of with 4 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field (M.S. preferred).
• 7-10 years of relevant engineering experience with radiometric performance of complex sensor systems, including at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Advanced expertise in radiometric modeling, simulation, and data‑fusion techniques.
• Proficient programming in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for algorithm development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional technical teams.

Security

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top‑Secret clearance.

Leadership

• Proven track record of technical mentorship, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret level or Top Secret Level Clearance
• Direct experience with space‑qualified remote sensing mission payloads.
• Hands‑on experience with radiometric test equipment
• Experience using statistical analysis methods (Monte‑Carlo, Bayesian inference) for error budgeting.
• Prior involvement in US Government program reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR, IRAD).
• Experience with interfacing radiometric modeling and simulation, and requirements management into Model Based Systems Engineering workflows
• Experience with infrared image processing in embedded systems (FPGA, GPU)
• Published technical papers or patents in radiometry, sensor calibration, or related fields.
• Experience leading system‑level performance trade studies for multi‑spectral or hyperspectral missions.
• Direct involvement with on‑orbit calibration strategies and post‑launch performance validation.
• Familiarity with model‑based system engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., SysML, Cameo).
• Experience interfacing with US government customers and supporting acquisition processes (e.g., FAR, DFARS, EVM).
• Strong network within the radiometric and remote‑sensing community (conference participation, standards committees).

#LosAngelesSpace

#SpaceEngJobs

#SpaceSysEngJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when