Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer - 5

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 Staff EO Signal Image Processing Engineer to 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, high‑fidelity simulation tools, and physics‑based models supporting seeker development and flight test. The team develops and maintains high‑fidelity 6‑DOF 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 fast‑paced, team‑oriented 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline from an accredited university and 12 years of related experience; or Master’s degree and 10 years of related experience; or PhD and 8 years of related experience.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at 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 seeker‑related 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.
• Proven experience providing technical leadership and direction to multiple engineering teams or complex project teams using agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, or similar frameworks).
• Expertise in implementing, scaling, and optimizing agile processes across programs, with a strong preference for leveraging JIRA for portfolio, project, and sprint management.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related discipline.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
• Experience serving as a technical lead or task lead for modeling and simulation on missile, hypersonic, or other high‑reliability systems, including familiarity with associated standards.
• Current experience with DoD missile defense programs and related performance and verification frameworks, ideally hypersonic applications
• 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
• Expert proficiency with 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).
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and influence both individual contributors and engineering leaders in best practices for agile execution, backlog prioritization, and iterative delivery.
• Track record of driving organizational change, continuous improvement, and cross-team collaboration through effective agile practices and digital workflow tools such as JIRA.

#AZSpace -

Primary Level Salary Range: $168,200.00 - $252,100.00The 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 U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.