Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 4

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.

You will lead the EO/IR modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group within the Seeker IPT. You will design, develop, verify, and implement image processing algorithms, high‑fidelity simulations, and physics‑based models supporting seeker development and flight test, while mentoring junior engineers in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented

Qualifications

• Experience with EO/IR or seeker-related systems.
• Ability to lead model and algorithm development to milestones.
• Experience coordinating teams and agile practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models for design, performance assessment, and flight test.
• Coordinate and oversee team efforts to meet program schedule.
• Design and implement image/signal processing algorithms and integrate them into the simulation framework, conducting trade studies and sensitivity analyses.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for use in HPC environments.
• Mentor early career and mid-level engineers and drive continuous improvement in modeling standards.

Skills

Image processing

C/C++

Python

MATLAB

Education

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

Tools

MATLAB

High Performance Computing (HPC) environments

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.
• Experience leading and guiding technical teams in agile development environments (such as Scrum or Kanban), with a demonstrated ability to drive iterative planning, execution, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with project management and workflow tools, preferabl