RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
DescriptionNorthrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for aStaff EO Signal Image Processing Engineerto 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, highfidelity simulation tools, and physicsbased models supporting seeker development and flight test. The team develops and maintains highfidelity 6DOF 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 fastpaced, teamoriented environment.
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.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and12 yearsof related experience; or Masters degree and10 yearsof related experience; or PhD and 8 yearsof related experience.
- Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearanceat 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 seekerrelated 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline.
- Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearanceat time of application, current and within scope.
- Experience serving as atechnical leador task lead for modeling and simulation on missile, hypersonic, or other highreliability systems, including familiarity with associated standards.
- Current experience withDoD missile defense programsand related performance and verification frameworks, ideally hypersonic applications
- Familiarity withhardware/software integrationand modeling physicsbased or realtime systems, including HWIL environments.
- Proficiency in: C/C++development andLinuxenvironments, MATLABandPythonanalysis and prototyping toolchains, Software change/configuration management tools, processes, and realtime programming practices
- Expert proficiency with scene generators such asMSLRADor similar EO/IR scene generation tools.
- Demonstrated experience restructuring algorithms for improved performance onHPCs(e.g., vectorization, parallelization, distributed computing).
- Deep involvement with software and firmware development lifecycles, implementation of algorithms, and verification processes.
Primary Level Salary Range: $168,200.00 - $252,100.00
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 candidates 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.
