Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 5

Northrop Grumman • Chandler, AZ

3d • $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 engineer will serve as a technical leader in the electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation group within the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). The role involves designing, developing, verifying, and implementing image-processing algorithms, high-fidelity simulation tools, and physics-based models that support seeker development and flight testing.

The team develops and maintains high-fidelity six-degree-of-freedom simulations, evaluates seeker performance in relation to algorithms and hardware, and builds and maintains the seeker test suite. The selected candidate will lead complex modeling and simulation efforts, mentor engineers, and collaborate across disciplines and programs. The position requires an active U.S. Government DoD Secret clearance at application; relocation assistance may be available, and travel is 10%.

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; or a PhD and 8 years.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at application, current and within scope.
• Breadth and depth in image- or signal-processing algorithm development and physical-optics system simulation for EO/IR or seeker-related programs, ideally in a technical staff or lead capacity.
• Professional experience coordinating and leading teams delivering models and algorithm solutions for EO/IR or seeker-related systems in alignment 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 directing 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 or complex project teams using agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban.
• Expertise implementing, scaling, and optimizing agile processes across programs; JIRA experience is strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s or PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or a related discipline.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at 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 and 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 HPC performance, such as 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 high-fidelity seeker simulations and physics-based models, including closed-loop 6DOF, for system design, performance assessment, and flight-test readiness.
• Set direction for team members conducting complex modeling, simulation, and algorithm-development activities, ensuring delivery meets program objectives and technical standards.
• Develop, implement, and integrate image- and signal-processing algorithms into simulation environments; perform 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 technical interface and collaborator 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 simulations and model predictions with test and flight data; lead root-cause analysis and direct model updates.
• Mentor staff and junior engineers and promote improvements in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management.
• Represent the modeling and simulation team in technical reviews and deliver 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
• Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position
• Long-term incentives may be available to employees in Vice President or Director positions
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

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