Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 5

Northrop Grumman • Chandler, AZ

1d • $168,200 - $252,100 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Staff 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 12 years of related experience; or Master’s degree and 10 years of related experience; or PhD and 8 years of related experience.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
• Demonstrated breadth and depth in image/signal processing algorithm development and physical optics system simulation for EO/IR or seeker-related programs, ideally as technical staff or lead.
• 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.
• Extensive experience in implementing algorithms in C/C++ and Python or MATLAB, preferably for high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Advanced knowledge of EO/IR imaging principles, radiometric transfer, scene generation, and developing/validating physics-based models.
• Proven experience leading the technical direction of modeling and simulation tasks for complex, high-reliability systems, including mentoring and oversight of engineering teams.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results for complex technical challenges, synthesize results, and present solutions to technical and programmatic 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.
• Current experience with DoD missile defense programs and related performance and verification frameworks, ideally hypersonic applications
• 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
• Expert proficiency with 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).
• Deep involvement with software and firmware development lifecycles, implementation of algorithms, and verification processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and architect the development of advanced, high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models (including closed-loop 6DOF) for overall system design, performance assessment, and flight test readiness.
• Oversee and set direction for team members on complex modeling, simulation, and algorithm development activities, ensuring delivery aligns with critical program objectives and high technical standards.
• Develop, implement, and integrate advanced image and signal processing algorithms into simulation environments; conduct in-depth trade studies and optimize for both performance and robustness across operational scenarios.
• Apply expert-level EO/IR phenomenology and advanced physics to model seeker hardware, scene environments, and flight conditions, including management of scene generators (e.g., MSLRAD or similar).
• Serve as principal technical interface and collaborator with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams; provide guidance for requirements flow down, test planning, and verification strategies.
• Lead HWIL, lab, and real-time test activities, correlating simulation and model predictions with test/flight data; spearhead root cause analysis and direct model updates as required.
• Provide comprehensive technical leadership, mentor staff and junior engineers, and champion continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management.
• Represent the M&S team in internal and external technical reviews, delivering clear, high-impact briefings and program updates.

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)

What This Job Offers

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