Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 4

Northrop Grumman; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 135,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, AZ is seeking a Senior Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to lead complex modeling and simulation efforts for seeker development and flight test. You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate across disciplines in a fast-paced IPT.

The role requires a DoD Secret clearance, strong C/C++ and MATLAB/Python skills, and experience in high fidelity EO/IR simulations and scene generation.

Qualifications

• Active DoD Secret clearance at time of application.
• Experience with EO/IR or seeker‑related systems and modeling.
• Experience developing algorithms in C/C++ and MATLAB or Python.
• Experience in HPC environments and physics‑based simulations.
• Ability to lead and mentor engineers and coordinate teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of high‑fidelity seeker simulations and physics‑based models.
• Coordinate team efforts to complete models and algorithm development on schedule.
• Design and implement image/signal processing algorithms for integration into simulations.
• Apply EO/IR phenomenology to create realistic models of hardware, scenes and environments.
• Develop and optimize tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for HPC workflows.
• Collaborate across GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams.
• Support HWIL, lab and real-time tests; correlate predictions with flight data.
• Provide technical leadership and briefings; mentor early and mid‑career staff.

Skills

EO/IR modeling

Image processing

C/C++ development

Python

MATLAB

HPC environments

technical leadership

system engineering coordination

risk and verification

signal processing algorithms

Education

Bachelor’s in Optical/EE/Physics

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

MSLRAD

Linux

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

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 Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as a technical leader on the electro‑optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group within the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). Responsibilities include the design, development, verification, and implementation of image processing algorithms, high‑fidelity simulation tools, and physics‑based models supporting seeker development and flight test. The team develops and maintains high‑fidelity 6‑DOF simulations, evaluates seeker performance in relation to algorithms and hardware, and builds/maintains the seeker test suite. The selected candidate will lead complex modeling and simulation (M&S) efforts, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across disciplines and programs in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of high‑fidelity seeker simulations and physics‑based models (including closed loop 6DOF) for design, performance assessment, and flight test support.
• Coordinate and oversee the efforts of team members to ensure timely completion of models and algorithm development in alignment with the program schedule.
• Design and implement image/signal processing algorithms and integrate them into the simulation framework, conducting trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess performance and robustness.
• Apply EO/IR phenomenology and advanced physics concepts to create realistic models of seeker hardware, scenes, and flight environments, including use of scene generators (e.g., MSLRAD or similar).
• Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling and analysis tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for use in high performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Collaborate with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams to plan and execute M&S activities, support requirements flow down, and define verification approaches.
• Support HWIL, lab, and real time test activities, correlating simulation predictions with test/flight data and leading root cause analysis and model updates.
• Provide technical leadership and briefings to internal and external stakeholders, including participation in design and readiness reviews.
• Mentor early career and mid‑level engineers and drive continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management.
• Promote continuous improvement in coding standards, configuration management, and verification practices within the M&S team.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience; or Master’s degree and 6 years of related experience; or PhD and 4 years of related experience.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
• Experience with video/image processing algorithms such as background/noise estimation, target detection, false alarm rejection, radiometric estimation, search/object localization, discrimination algorithms, and sensor control.
• Professional experience of coordinating and leading teams in efforts to deliver models and development of algorithm solutions for EO/IR or seeker‑related systems in alignment with program requirements and milestones.
• Experience with image and signal processing techniques and implementation of algorithms in C or C++ and either MATLAB or Python.
• Demonstrated expertise in physical optical systems simulation and scene generation, knowledge of EO IR imaging systems, and radiometric transfer principles.
• Experience developing and executing simulations in high‑performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Proven ability to independently tackle complex technical problems, synthesize results, and present technical findings to stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
• Experience serving as a technical lead or task lead for modeling and simulation on missile, hypersonic, or other high‑reliability systems, including familiarity with associated standards.
• Previous experience with DoD missile defense programs and related performance and verification frameworks.
• Familiarity with hardware/software integration and modeling physics‑based or real‑time systems, including HWIL environments.
• Proficiency in: C/C++ development and Linux environments, MATLAB and Python analysis and prototyping toolchains, Software change/configuration management tools, processes, and real‑time programming practices
• Experience using scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar EO/IR scene generation tools.
• Demonstrated experience restructuring algorithms for improved performance on HPCs (e.g., vectorization, parallelization, distributed computing).
• Familiarity with software and firmware development lifecycles, implementation of algorithms, and verification processes.

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,000.00 - $202,600.00. 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.