Staff Optical Subsystem I&T Engineer - 5
About The Position
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Staff 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 and coordinates multidisciplinary efforts to integrate and test development and flight hardware. The engineer ensures performance at the subassembly and seeker system levels, characterizes and evaluates hardware, develops the seeker test suite, maintains and calibrates optical test equipment, and collects representative data for physics-based model development. The successful candidate will work across organizational levels in a fast-paced environment, leading integration and test activities and collaborating with systems engineers, design teams, and program management. The position requires an active U.S. Government Secret clearance at application. Travel is required approximately 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline and 12 years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and 10 years of experience; or a PhD and 6 years of experience.
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application.
- Demonstrated experience with EO imaging systems from visible through LWIR, including optical design, alignment, and test.
- 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
- Master’s 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 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 integrating and testing electro-optical subsystems to ensure performance at subassembly and seeker system levels.
- Develop, author, and review test plans, procedures, and 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 system and component performance against requirements.
- Mentor and guide junior engineers and facilitate team training and technical growth.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes to improve reliability and quality.
- Prepare, review, and present detailed test reports describing observations, configurations, and results.
- Maintain and calibrate optical test equipment and environments for readiness and measurement accuracy.
- Coordinate with systems engineers, design teams, and program management to align test strategy with program 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 insurance
- Disability insurance
- Savings plan
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- Employees may be eligible for overtime and shift differential, depending on the position
- Discretionary bonus may be available
- Long-term incentives may be available to employees in Vice President or Director positions
- Relocation assistance may be available
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
