Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 5

Northrop Grumman • Chandler, AZ

11d • $168,200 - $252,100 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. The role is a technical leadership position in the electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group within the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). It involves designing, developing, verifying, and implementing image-processing algorithms, high-fidelity simulation tools, and physics-based models for seeker development and flight testing. The team develops and maintains high-fidelity six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) simulations, evaluates seeker performance in relation to algorithms and hardware, and builds and maintains the seeker test suite. The engineer will lead complex modeling and simulation efforts, mentor other engineers, and collaborate across disciplines and programs.

The position leads development of seeker simulations and physics-based models, including closed-loop 6-DOF simulations, and guides algorithm development, trade studies, and performance optimization. It applies EO/IR phenomenology and physics to modeling seeker hardware, scenes, and flight conditions; provides technical direction and cross-functional coordination; and leads hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL), laboratory, and real-time test activities. The role also involves correlating models with test and flight data, communicating technical results in reviews, and improving modeling, coding, and configuration-management practices.

The position requires an active U.S. Government DoD Secret clearance at application. Travel is 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. The primary-level salary range is $168,200 to $252,100. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related discipline and 12 years of related experience; or a master’s degree and 10 years of related experience; or a Ph.D. and 8 years of related experience.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope.
• Breadth and depth in image- and signal-processing algorithm development and physical-optics system simulation for EO/IR or seeker-related programs.
• Experience coordinating and leading teams delivering models and algorithm solutions for EO/IR or seeker-related systems aligned with program requirements and milestones.
• Extensive experience implementing algorithms in C/C++ and Python or MATLAB, preferably for high-performance computing environments.
• Advanced knowledge of EO/IR imaging principles, radiometric transfer, scene generation, and development and validation of physics-based models.
• Experience leading technical direction of modeling and simulation tasks for complex, high-reliability systems, including mentoring and oversight of engineering teams.
• Ability to deliver results on complex technical challenges, synthesize results, and present solutions to technical and programmatic stakeholders.
• Experience providing technical leadership and direction to multiple engineering teams or complex project teams using agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban.
• Expertise implementing, scaling, and optimizing agile processes across programs; preference for experience using JIRA for portfolio, project, and sprint management.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related discipline.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope.
• Experience as a technical 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 in 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 and processes; and real-time programming practices.
• Expert proficiency with scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar EO/IR scene-generation tools.
• Experience restructuring algorithms to improve performance on high-performance computing systems through vectorization, parallelization, or distributed computing.
• Ability to coach, mentor, and influence individual contributors and engineering leaders in agile execution, backlog prioritization, and iterative delivery.
• Track record of driving organizational change, continuous improvement, and cross-team collaboration through agile practices and digital workflow tools such as JIRA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and architect development of advanced, high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models, including closed-loop 6-DOF simulations, for system design, performance assessment, and flight-test readiness.
• Set technical direction for team members conducting complex modeling, simulation, and algorithm development, ensuring work meets program objectives and technical standards.
• Develop, implement, and integrate advanced image- and signal-processing algorithms into simulation environments; conduct trade studies and optimize performance and robustness across operational scenarios.
• Apply EO/IR phenomenology and advanced physics to model seeker hardware, scene environments, and flight conditions, including management of scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar tools.
• Serve as a principal technical interface with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams; guide requirements flow-down, test planning, and verification strategies.
• Lead HWIL, laboratory, and real-time test activities; correlate simulation and model predictions with test and flight data; lead root-cause analysis and direct model updates.
• Provide technical leadership, mentor staff and junior engineers, and promote continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management.
• Represent the M&S team in internal and external technical reviews and deliver technical briefings and program updates.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

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