Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer
About The Position
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. The role is part of the electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group supporting the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). Working with senior team members, the engineer will contribute to the development and validation of models, image-processing algorithms, and simulation tools. The work supports high-fidelity seeker simulations for tactical performance assessment and flight-test support, as well as hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), laboratory, and real-time test activities. The position requires an active U.S. Government Secret clearance at application and includes travel approximately 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience; or a Master’s degree and 3 years of related experience; or a PhD and 1 year of related experience.
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope.
- Experience with image- and signal-processing techniques and implementation of algorithms in C or C++, MATLAB, or Python.
- Experience developing and validating EO/IR models based on hardware testing.
- Working knowledge of optical systems simulation, EO/IR imaging principles, and radiometric transfer.
- Experience developing and executing simulations in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
- Ability to tackle technical problems independently, synthesize results, and present technical findings to stakeholders.
Nice To Haves
- MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related discipline.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope.
- Experience supporting modeling and simulation for 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 and processes; and real-time programming practices.
- Experience using scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar EO/IR scene-generation tools.
- Demonstrated experience restructuring algorithms to improve HPC performance, such as through vectorization, parallelization, or distributed computing.
- Familiarity with software and firmware development lifecycles, algorithm implementation, and verification processes.
Responsibilities
- Apply EO/IR phenomenology to create physics-based models of seeker hardware for high-fidelity seeker simulations, tactical performance assessment, and flight-test support.
- Design and implement image- and signal-processing algorithms and integrate them into the simulation framework; conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess performance and robustness.
- Execute modeling and algorithm-development activities in alignment with accelerated program schedules.
- Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling and analysis tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for use in HPC and laboratory environments.
- Collaborate with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams to plan and execute modeling and simulation activities, support requirements flow down, and define verification approaches.
- Support HWIL, laboratory, and real-time test activities; correlate simulation predictions with test and flight data; and assist with model updates.
- Present technical results and findings to internal stakeholders, including through participation in design and readiness reviews.
- Maintain process discipline and contribute to continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Savings plan
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
