Senior Optical Engineer - Imaging & Seeker Systems

ngc; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 168,000 - 252,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Secret clearance

Travel 10%

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to lead optical design and analysis for imaging and sensing systems, spanning visible to LWIR. The role emphasizes opto‑mechanical integration, performance budgeting, and cross‑discipline collaboration with propulsion, structures, and manufacturing teams.

You will mentor engineers, drive tool development, and lead design reviews with customers, ensuring robust, testable optics for flight hardware and development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field with 12+ years of relevant experience; or advanced degrees with fewer years.
• Active DoD Secret clearance at time of application.
• Experience with optical systems in imaging/sensing/seeker applications and system-level performance ownership.
• Proficiency with optical modeling tools (ZEMAX, Code V, FRED, or equivalent).
• Experience with 3D CAD tools (CREO, NX, SolidWorks); ANSYS Mechanical preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and analysis of optical systems for imaging and sensing applications.
• Perform optical performance analyses across environmental/operational conditions with self-checking.
• Develop and maintain optical error budgets including various contributions.
• Guide SILOS analyses with structural/thermal analysts to maintain performance.
• Define and allocate optical requirements and tolerances at system levels.

Skills

Optical design

Wavefront analysis

MTF analysis

LOS stability

Tolerance analysis

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 12 years experience

Master’s degree + 10 years experience

PhD + 8 years experience

Tools

ZEMAX

Code V

FRED

CREO

NX

SolidWorks

ANSYS Mechanical

Job description

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ seeks a Staff Optical Engineer to lead optical design and analysis for imaging and sensing systems, spanning visible to LWIR. The role emphasizes opto‑mechanical integration, performance budgeting, and cross‑discipline collaboration with propulsion, structures, and manufacturing teams.

You will mentor engineers, drive tool development, and lead design reviews with customers, ensuring robust, testable optics for flight hardware and development