Sr. Principal Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer

Northrop Grumman • Chandler, AZ

11d • $135,000 - $202,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Sr. 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 (IPT), coordinating multidisciplinary efforts to integrate and test development and flight hardware and verify performance at 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 for physics-based model development. The position calls for effective collaboration across organizational levels in a fast-paced environment with varied assignments.

The role includes developing test plans and procedures, integrating hardware, software, and firmware, executing and troubleshooting tests, analyzing results, mentoring engineers, and driving root cause analysis and corrective actions. The engineer will also prepare test reports, maintain optical test environments, coordinate testing strategies with engineering and program teams, and ensure compliance with organizational, safety, and government standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline and 8 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree and 6 years of experience; or a PhD and 4 years of experience.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at the time of application.
• Demonstrated experience with EO imaging systems from visible to LWIR, including optical design, alignment, and testing.
• Experience maintaining and calibrating optical test equipment for accurate and reliable measurements 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

• MS or PhD 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 timelines and technical objectives.
• Execute and troubleshoot complex test procedures, analyze data, and verify systems and components against performance and design requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and facilitate team training and technical growth.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes to improve reliability, quality, and performance.
• Prepare, review, and present test reports detailing observations, configurations, and results.
• Maintain and calibrate optical test equipment and environments.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, design teams, and program management to align testing strategy with milestones and customer expectations.
• Ensure testing complies with organizational, safety, and government standards.
• Stay current on optical engineering practices, tools, and methodologies.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus, depending on the position
• Potential eligibility for long-term incentives for employees in Vice President or Director positions
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior