Skip to main contentA logo with &quat;the muse&quat; in dark blue text.

Optical Engineering Level 3

Today Chandler, AZ

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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.This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Seeker Modeling and Simulations Engineer to support the Glide Phase Interceptor Program within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.

Want more jobs like this?

Get jobs in Chandler, AZ delivered to your inbox every week.

Job alert subscription

The Principal Seeker Modeling and Simulations Engineer, as part of the Seeker IPT, will utilize their expertise to design, develop, verify, and implement Image Processing algorithms, simulation tools, and physics based models in support of high fidelity simulation. The team is responsible for the development of the design, integration, and testing of development/flight hardware, evaluating seeker performance in relation to algorithms, building/maintaining the seeker test suite, and leveraging physics-based models for algorithm and simulation development (including high-fidelity simulation 6DOF). The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with significantly diverse assignments and collaborative/team settings across all levels.
Responsibilities:

Develop high-fidelity simulations and models for seeker design, performance assessment, and flight test support

Design and implement modeling solutions, conduct trade studies and evaluation of system and subsystem performance

Apply EO phenomenology and advanced physics concepts in a software implementations to mirror real hardware systems

Research and develop novel EO modeling techniques

Collaborate with Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) personnel and other departments to perform simulation activities

Provide technical expertise for GPI simulation and modeling products both internally and externally

Work in a team environment specific to modelling & simulation and supporting additional, varied program efforts

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, or a PhD and 1 year of experience.

Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope

Experience with image and signal processing techniques

Expertise physical optical systems simulations and scene generation

Experience applying object-oriented software design, programming in C or C++, and MATLAB or Python.

Knowledge of Electro-Optics (EO), EO/IR imaging systems, and radiometric transfer principles

Experience with high-performance computing (HPC) environments

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced Degree in Optical Engineering or Electrical Engineering (image processing focus), Physics, or Software preferred

Experience with missile systems or hypersonic missile systems and associated standards

Previous experience with DOD missile defense programs

Experience in video/image processing algorithms such as background/noise estimation, target detection, false alarm rejection, radiometric estimation, search/object localization, and sensor control

Familiarity with hardware/software integration and modeling physics-based or real-time systems

Proficiency in software change management tools, processes, and real-time programming.

Highly proficient in C/C++ development and Linux environment

High proficiency in MATLAB and Python toolchains

Experience with discrimination algorithms

Experience using MSLRAD scene generator

Experience restructuring algorithms to improve run time on HPCs

Familiarity with Software and Firmware development processes

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

Client-provided location(s): Chandler, AZ
Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10217934
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2025-12-28T19:59:04

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Four-Day Work Week
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    Company Videos

    Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Northrop Grumman.