Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 5

Northrop Grumman; United States; On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance may be available

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles unit in Chandler, Arizona. The role focuses on leading the development of high-fidelity seeker simulations and advanced image processing algorithms within simulation environments.

You will guide a team across modeling, test planning, and verification strategies, ensuring robust performance and high technical standards in EO/IR systems. A DoD Secret clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline.
• Active DoD Secret clearance at time of application.
• Experience in image/signal processing algorithm development and physical optics system simulation for EO/IR or seeker-related programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and architect development of advanced, high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models (including closed-loop 6DOF).
• Oversee and set direction for team on modeling, simulation, and algorithm development; align with program objectives.
• Develop, implement, and integrate EO/IR image/signal processing algorithms into simulation environments; perform trade studies.

Skills

Image/Signal processing

C/C++

Python or MATLAB

High-performance computing

Agile methodologies (Scrum)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Eng./Electrical Eng./Physics/Math

Tools

MSLRAD

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 Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.

Responsibilities

• Lead and architect the development of advanced, high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models (including closed-loop 6DOF) for overall system design, performance assessment, and flight test readiness.
• Oversee and set direction for team members on complex modeling, simulation, and algorithm development activities, ensuring delivery aligns with critical program objectives and high technical standards.
• Develop, implement, and integrate advanced image and signal processing algorithms into simulation environments; conduct in-depth trade studies and optimize for both performance and robustness across operational scenarios.
• Apply expert-level EO/IR phenomenology and advanced physics to model seeker hardware, scene environments, and flight conditions, including management of scene generators (e.g., MSLRAD or similar).
• Serve as principal technical interface and collaborator with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams; provide guidance for requirements flow down, test planning, and verification strategies.
• Lead HWIL, lab, and real-time test activities, correlating simulation and model predictions with test/flight data; spearhead root cause analysis and direct model updates as required.
• Provide comprehensive technical leadership, mentor staff and junior engineers, and champion continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management.
• Represent the M&S team in internal and external technical reviews, delivering clear, high-impact briefings and program updates.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and 12 years of related experience; or Master's degree and 10 years of related experience; or PhD and 8 years of related experience.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
• Demonstrated breadth and depth in image/signal processing algorithm development and physical optics system simulation for EO/IR or seeker-related programs, ideally as technical staff or lead.
• 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.
• Extensive experience in implementing algorithms in C/C++ and Python or MATLAB, preferably for high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Advanced knowledge of EO/IR imaging principles, radiometric transfer, scene generation, and developing/validating physics-based models.
• Proven experience leading the technical direction of modeling and simulation tasks for complex, high-reliability systems, including mentoring and oversight of engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results for complex technical challenges, synthesize results, and present solutions to technical and programmatic stakeholders.
• Proven experience providing technical leadership and direction to multiple engineering teams or complex project teams using agile methodologies (Scrum