Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 4

Northrop Grumman•Chandler, AZ

1d•$135,000 - $202,600•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Sr. Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. You will work as a technical leader on the electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group within the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). Responsibilities include the design, development, verification, and implementation of image processing algorithms, high‑fidelity simulation tools, and physics‑based models supporting seeker development and flight test. The team develops and maintains high‑fidelity 6‑DOF simulations, evaluates seeker performance in relation to algorithms and hardware, and builds/maintains the seeker test suite. The selected candidate will lead complex modeling and simulation (M&S) efforts, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across disciplines and programs in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience; or Master’s degree and 6 years of related experience; or PhD and 4 years of related experience.
Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
Experience with video/image processing algorithms such as background/noise estimation, target detection, false alarm rejection, radiometric estimation, search/object localization, discrimination algorithms, and sensor control.
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.
Experience with image and signal processing techniques and implementation of algorithms in C or C++ and either MATLAB or Python.
Demonstrated expertise in physical optical systems simulation and scene generation, knowledge of EO IR imaging systems, and radiometric transfer principles.
Experience developing and executing simulations in high‑performance computing (HPC) environments.
Proven ability to independently tackle complex technical problems, synthesize results, and present technical findings to stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline.
Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
Experience serving as a technical lead or task lead for modeling and simulation on 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, processes, and real‑time programming practices
Experience using scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar EO/IR scene generation tools.
Demonstrated experience restructuring algorithms for improved performance on HPCs (e.g., vectorization, parallelization, distributed computing).
Familiarity with software and firmware development lifecycles, implementation of algorithms, and verification processes.

Responsibilities

Lead development of high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models (including closed loop 6DOF) for design, performance assessment, and flight test support.
Coordinate and oversee the efforts of team members to ensure timely completion of models and algorithm development in alignment with the program schedule.
Design and implement image/signal processing algorithms and integrate them into the simulation framework, conducting trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess performance and robustness.
Apply EO/IR phenomenology and advanced physics concepts to create realistic models of seeker hardware, scenes, and flight environments, including use of scene generators (e.g., MSLRAD or similar).
Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling and analysis tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for use in high performance computing (HPC) environments.
Collaborate with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams to plan and execute M&S activities, support requirements flow down, and define verification approaches.
Support HWIL, lab, and real time test activities, correlating simulation predictions with test/flight data and leading root cause analysis and model updates.
Provide technical leadership and briefings to internal and external stakeholders, including participation in design and readiness reviews.
Mentor early career and mid-level engineers and drive continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management.
Promote continuous improvement in coding standards, configuration management, and verification practices within the M&S team.

Benefits

Relocation assistance may be available
health insurance coverage
life and disability insurance
savings plan
Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
overtime
shift differential
a discretionary bonus
Annual bonuses
Long Term Incentives (for VP or Director positions)