Optical/Principal Optical Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Rolling Meadows, IL

1d•$96,300 - $179,400•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Corporation is offering a challenging and rewarding career as a Optical Engineer/Principal Optical Engineer within the Mission Systems Sector located at our Rolling Meadows, IL facility. This position supports the design, development, build, and test validation of ruggedized optical products for military applications. The candidate will work within the Hardware Engineering organization. It is a high performing organization that values its employees and has a strong sense of purpose tied to the vision of Northrop Grumman: To be the most trusted provider of systems and technologies that ensure the security and the freedom of our nation and its allies. The candidate will be able to grow personally and professionally in an ethical and inclusive environment, while being an important part of a great team. Designs, models, analyzes, and tests optical and electro-optical systems and components, including sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products. Conducts research and development into phases of physical optics and geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources. Applies research of complex optical systems to achieve desired optical manipulations. Develops component specifications, tolerances, simulations and tests procedures for electro-optical systems and components. Uses design-to-cost models, six sigma methodology, and other methods to assure optical design requirements met. The engineer will be responsible for solving challenging problems through the development and application of optical technologies including passive and active infrared imaging, laser illumination and marking/identification, fiber optic systems, and meta-optics. The engineer must have demonstrated expertise in optical design along with optical simulation analysis or opto-mechanical design and analysis. The optical engineer must have proficiency in one of the optical design/analysis tools. The engineer will serve on cross-functional teams, and interface frequently with related disciplines, including mechanical engineers and customers/stakeholders. Strong communication skills are required for success in all phases of the role. The engineer will also contribute to overall knowledge base and skill level of the organization via coaching, knowledge transfer, and process improvement activities.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related Engineering field with a concentration in Optics with 2+ years of experience, or master’s degree with no experience (for Optical Engineer).
Bachelor of Science degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related Engineering field with a concentration in Optics with 5+ years of experience, or Master’s degree and 3+ years of experience, or Doctorate and 1+ years of experience (for Principal Optical Engineer).
Demonstrated aptitude in at least one of the following subjects: aligning complex optical systems, designing metrology measurements, alignment method architect, experience with equipment such as null lenses, optical design, optical analysis, or opto-mechanical design and analysis.
Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following subjects: aligning complex optical systems, designing metrology measurements, alignment method architect, experience with equipment such as null lenses, optical design, optical analysis, or opto-mechanical design and analysis (for Principal Optical Engineer).
Experience in one of the optical design/analysis tools such as Zemax (preferred), Code V, OSLO, Trace Pro, FRED or equivalent.
Proficiency in one of the optical design/analysis tools such as Zemax (preferred), Code V, OSLO, Trace Pro, FRED or equivalent (for Principal Optical Engineer).
Demonstrated application of innovative solutions to complex problems.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
U. S. citizenship
Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret security clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or Doctorate degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related Engineering field with a concentration in Optics.
Expertise in optical design for optical measurements/alignment of multi-element imaging systems.
Expertise in optical design of multi-element imaging systems.
Familiarity with MWIR/LWIR optical materials.
Expertise in the optical design/analysis tool, Zemax.
Familiarity with opto-mechanical engineering.
Experience presenting at design reviews and customer/stakeholder briefings.
Experience reviewing technical work products of peers.
Leadership in process improvement or knowledge transfer (i.e. publication) activities.
Experience contributing to development and mentoring of junior engineers.
Active U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

Designs, models, analyzes, and tests optical and electro-optical systems and components, including sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products.
Conducts research and development into phases of physical optics and geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources.
Applies research of complex optical systems to achieve desired optical manipulations.
Develops component specifications, tolerances, simulations and tests procedures for electro-optical systems and components.
Uses design-to-cost models, six sigma methodology, and other methods to assure optical design requirements met.
Responsible for solving challenging problems through the development and application of optical technologies including passive and active infrared imaging, laser illumination and marking/identification, fiber optic systems, and meta-optics.
Serve on cross-functional teams, and interface frequently with related disciplines, including mechanical engineers and customers/stakeholders.
Contribute to overall knowledge base and skill level of the organization via coaching, knowledge transfer, and process improvement activities.