Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer 

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona. 

You will contribute as a team member within the electro-optical infrared (EO/IR) modeling, algorithm, and simulation (MAS) group supporting the Seeker Integrated Product Team (IPT). Collaborating with senior team members, you will assist in the development and validation of models, image processing algorithms, and simulation tools.  

Responsibilities 

• Apply EO/IR phenomenology to create physics-based models of seeker hardware in support of high-fidelity seeker simulations for tactical performance assessment and flight test support. 

• Design and implement image/signal processing algorithms and integrate them into the simulation framework; conduct trade studies and sensitivity analyses to assess performance and robustness. 

• Execute modeling and algorithm development activities to ensure timely completion aligned with accelerated program schedules. 

• Develop, maintain, and optimize modeling and analysis tools in C/C++, Python, and MATLAB for use in HPC and lab environments. 

• Collaborate with GNC, systems, software, firmware, and hardware teams to plan and execute M&S activities, support requirements flow down, and define verification approaches. 

• Support HWIL, lab, and real-time test activities, correlate simulation predictions with test/flight data, and assist in model updates. 

• Present technical results and findings to internal stakeholders, including participation in design and readiness reviews. 

• Maintain process discipline and contribute to continuous improvement in modeling standards, coding practices, and configuration management. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience; or Master’s degree and 3 years of related experience; or PhD and 1 year of related experience. 

• Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope. 

• Experience with image and signal processing techniques and implementation of algorithms in C or C++, MATLAB, or Python. 

• Experience in EO/IR model development and validation based on hardware testing.  

• Working knowledge in optical systems simulation, EO/IR imaging principles, and radiometric transfer. 

• Experience developing and executing simulations in high‑performance computing (HPC) environments. 

• Ability to tackle technical problems independently, synthesize results, and present technical findings to stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline. 

• Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope. 

• Experience supporting modeling and simulation for missile, hypersonic, or other high reliability systems, including familiarity with associated standards. 

• Previous experience with DoD missile defense programs and related performance and verification frameworks. 

• 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, processes, and real‑time programming practices 

• Experience using scene generators such as MSLRAD or similar EO/IR scene generation tools. 

• Demonstrated experience restructuring algorithms for improved performance on HPCs (e.g., vectorization, parallelization, distributed computing). 

• Familiarity with software and firmware development lifecycles, implementation of algorithms, and verification processes. 

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Primary Level Salary Range: $108,200.00 - $162,400.00

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.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.