Northrop Grumman

Senior Principal Optical Payload Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman$142K — $213K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in a STEM discipline with 4-8 years of relevant experience.
  • Proficient in designing, integrating, and testing optical and/or RF systems.
  • Strong leadership and excellent communication skills.
  • Active DoD Top Secret clearance and ability to obtain SCI clearance.
  • Specialized knowledge in areas like remote sensing, EO/IR systems, or high energy lasers.

Responsibilities

  • Support new business initiatives and R&D projects.
  • Define system architectures and conduct trade studies.
  • Allocate and validate system requirements for performance analysis.
  • Develop modeling and simulation tools for performance evaluation.
  • Lead hardware development for ground and space systems integration.
  • Manage subcontractors and oversee hardware integration processes.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401k plan with company match.
  • Educational assistance for professional development.
  • Life insurance and employee assistance programs.
  • Paid time off and wellness resources.
  • Flexible work schedule options, including a 9/80 work arrangement.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Optical Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Redondo Beach, California.

This role focuses on advancing space systems through comprehensive systems engineering efforts. The Senior Principal Optical Payload Systems Engineer will contribute to architecture trade studies, system design analysis, and performance modeling through advanced simulations. In this capacity, you will define and manage requirements, develop segment interfaces, and leverage cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing, communications, directed energy, RF systems, digital hardware, and microelectronics.

Key responsibilities span the complete product development lifecycle, including:
  • Supporting new business acquisition and IRAD/technology development initiatives.
  • Defining system architectures, conducting trade studies, and developing specifications.
  • Allocating and validating requirements and contributing to payload performance analysis.
  • Designing modeling and simulation tools for system-level performance evaluation.
  • Leading payload hardware development for space and ground systems integration.
  • Managing subcontractor performance, hardware manufacturing, and integration processes.


By joining this team, you'll play a critical role in delivering advanced integrated hardware and software systems that enable missions spanning Earth and beyond. If you have the pioneering spirit and technical expertise to develop groundbreaking systems, we invite you to help define the future of space exploration and innovation.

This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding. Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

Essential experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Overhead Infrared (OPIR) system
  • Electro-Optics
  • Sensor design
  • Remote sensing
  • High energy laser systems
  • Lasercom systems
  • Spacecraft system design
  • Image processing
  • RF and digital hardware design
  • Signal detection and estimation
  • Control Systems
  • Structures/Dynamics


Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 8+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 6+ years of engineering experience OR a Phd in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 4+ years of engineering experience
  • Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience designing, integrating, testing and operating optical and/or RF systems
  • Must have active DoD Top Secret AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science
  • Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy
  • Candidates have completed relevant coursework in optics, control systems, remote sensing, lasercom and/or DSP
  • Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications
  • Active TS with SCI clearance at time of application.


This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space.

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:

-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

-401k

-Educational Assistance

-Life Insurance

-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

-Paid Time Off

-Health & Wellness Resources

-Employee Discounts

-Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.

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#LI-DB1

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

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Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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