Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer - 3
About The Position
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. This key lead role supports the Seeker Integrated Product Team and coordinates multidisciplinary efforts to integrate and test development and flight hardware, ensuring performance at both the subassembly and seeker-system levels. The engineer will lead hardware integration and testing, characterize and evaluate performance, develop the seeker test suite, maintain and calibrate optical test equipment, and capture representative data to support physics-based model development. The role requires effective collaboration across organizational levels in a fast-paced environment with varied assignments. The position requires an active U.S. Government Secret clearance at the time of application. Travel is 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and 3 years of experience; or a Ph.D. and 0 years of experience.
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application.
- Demonstrated experience with EO imaging systems from visible through LWIR, including optical design, alignment, and test.
- Experience maintaining and calibrating optical test equipment to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability in integration and test environments.
- Proficiency with free-space alignment tools, including autocollimators, theodolites, laser systems, and FTIR, and hands-on integration of complex hardware.
- Familiarity with developing custom optical test equipment and pathfinder procedures for its use.
- Experience managing and maintaining optical laboratory spaces, including equipment, inventory, and safety protocols.
- Ability to implement and enforce laboratory best practices for cleanliness and operational efficiency.
- Practical knowledge of root cause and corrective action methodologies.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and lead and motivate cross-disciplinary teams.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Extensive experience with missile systems, seeker systems, or high-reliability EO applications.
- Familiarity with DoD missile defense programs and associated technical standards.
- Expertise in EO system technologies, including optical design, tolerancing, error budgets, opto-mechanics, and focal plane arrays.
- Hands-on experience with radiometric measurements and use of spectroradiometers, cameras, and detectors.
- Proficiency with optical design and analysis software such as Zemax, Code V, or FRED.
- CAD experience with SolidWorks, NX, or Creo for test fixture and experimental layout design.
- Working knowledge of LabVIEW, MATLAB, Python, or similar data acquisition and analysis tools.
- In-depth understanding of cleanroom environments, procedures, and contamination controls for precision optical integration and testing.
- Demonstrated leadership in technical project delivery and mentoring teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in integrating and testing electro-optical subsystems to ensure performance at subassembly and seeker-system levels.
- Develop, author, and review test plans, procedures, and test cases based on system requirements and design specifications.
- Oversee integration of hardware, software, and firmware, ensuring interoperability and alignment with project timelines and technical objectives.
- Execute and troubleshoot complex test procedures, analyze data, and verify that systems and components meet or exceed performance and design requirements.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers and facilitate team training and technical growth.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes to promote continuous improvement, reliability, and quality.
- Prepare, review, and present detailed test reports describing observations, test configurations, and key results.
- Maintain and calibrate optical test equipment and environments to ensure readiness and accuracy.
- Coordinate with systems engineers, design teams, and program management to align test strategy with program milestones and customer expectations.
- Ensure testing complies with organizational, safety, and government standards.
- Stay current with emerging optical engineering practices, tools, and methodologies.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Savings plan
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
- Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
