Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Systems - Radiometric

Northrop Grumman•Azusa, CA

4d•$114,000 - $213,400

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is hiring at either the Engineer Systems or Principal Engineer Systems level for an EO/IR radiometric engineering role. The position is contingent on capturing program awards, securing associated funding, and obtaining required clearances and program access within a reasonable period. Continued employment depends on maintaining required clearance and access. The engineer develops and maintains radiometric budgets, error-budget models, and performance trade studies for electro-optical/infrared sensors. The role includes end-to-end signal-to-noise, radiometric resolution, and calibration analyses; working with hardware teams on detector, optics, and processing requirements; and supporting test and calibration activities for laboratory, ground-support, and flight-test campaigns. The engineer also provides program planning input, prepares technical materials, and mentors junior engineers. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance at Level 3 or a Top Secret clearance at Level 4. Travel is expected approximately 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. Northrop Grumman describes the role as full-time and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k), educational assistance, insurance, paid time off, wellness resources, employee discounts, and flexible scheduling options such as a 9/80 schedule.

Requirements

Level 3: Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience, master's degree and at least 3 years, or Ph.D. and at least 1 year in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field.
Level 3: 3–5 years of engineering experience in radiometric analysis for imaging or hyperspectral sensors.
Level 3: Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data analysis and modeling.
Level 3: Familiarity with optical design tools such as Zemax, FRED, or Code V.
Level 3: Understanding of detector physics, noise sources, point-source characterization, and calibration methods.
Level 3: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
Level 3: Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to produce clear technical documentation.
Level 4: Bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of experience, master's degree and at least 6 years, or Ph.D. and at least 4 years in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
Level 4: 7–10 years of relevant engineering experience with radiometric performance of complex sensor systems, including at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
Level 4: Advanced expertise in radiometric modeling, simulation, and data-fusion techniques.
Level 4: Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for algorithm development.
Level 4: Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical teams.
Level 4: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
Level 4: Proven technical mentorship, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Nice To Haves

Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.
Direct experience with space-qualified remote-sensing mission payloads.
Hands-on experience with radiometric test equipment.
Experience using statistical analysis methods such as Monte Carlo or Bayesian inference for error budgeting.
Prior involvement in U.S. Government program reviews such as PDR, CDR, or IRAD.
Experience connecting radiometric modeling and simulation and requirements management with Model-Based Systems Engineering workflows.
Experience with infrared image processing in embedded systems, including FPGA or GPU.
Published technical papers or patents in radiometry, sensor calibration, or related fields.
Experience leading system-level performance trade studies for multispectral or hyperspectral missions.
Direct involvement with on-orbit calibration strategies and post-launch performance validation.
Familiarity with MBSE tools such as SysML or Cameo.
Experience interfacing with U.S. government customers and supporting acquisition processes such as FAR, DFARS, or EVM.
Strong network within the radiometric and remote-sensing community, including conference participation or standards committees.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain EO/IR radiometric budgets, error-budget models, and performance trade studies.
Conduct SNR, radiometric resolution, and calibration analyses using MATLAB, Python, and/or specialized radiometric simulation software.
Work with hardware teams to define detector characteristics, optics throughput, and onboard processing requirements.
Support trade-off studies for detector selection, optics designs, and data-rate constraints.
Participate in calibration and test planning, execution, and post-test data analysis for laboratory, ground-support, and flight-test campaigns.
Provide technical input for program schedules, risk assessments, and cost estimates.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the EO/IR Radiometric Engineering community.
At the Level 4 scope, lead cross-functional technical teams and provide technical mentorship, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401(k).
Educational assistance.
Life insurance.
Employee Assistance Programs and Work/Life Solutions.
Paid Time Off.
Health and wellness resources.
Employee discounts.
Flexible schedules, including the option of a 9/80 work schedule.
Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.
Company-paid holidays and paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
Relocation assistance may be available.