Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 4

0902 SP - Launch Vehicles; United States; On-site; USD 135,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Chandler, Arizona, seeks a Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to lead modeling and simulation efforts for the Seeker IPT.

You will design and implement image processing algorithms and high‑fidelity simulations, mentoring junior engineers and coordinating with cross‑functional teams. The role requires advanced degrees or equivalent experience, DoD security clearance, and strong C/C++/Python/MATLAB skills, with HPC experience and scene generation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience; or MS and 6 years; or PhD and 4 years.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
• Experience with video/image processing algorithms and sensor control.
• Experience coordinating and leading teams on EO/IR or seeker systems.
• Experience implementing algorithms in C/C++ and MATLAB or Python.
• Expertise in physical optical systems simulation and scene generation.
• Experience developing simulations in HPC environments.
• Ability to present technical findings to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, verification, and implementation of image processing algorithms and high‑fidelity simulations.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate team efforts to meet program milestones.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for HPC use.
• Collaborate with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams on M&S activities.
• Support HWIL, lab, and real‑time test activities and correlate predictions with flight data.

Skills

C/C++

Linux

MATLAB

Python

Image processing

EO/IR modeling

HPC

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline

MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline

Tools

C/C++ development

Linux environments

MATLAB analysis

Python analysis

Job description

Relocation Assistance and Clearance

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.

Responsibilities

At 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). 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 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.

• 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.

Salary and Benefits

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.

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business

Application Period

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.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Company Culture

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.