Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Principal Seeker Modeling and Simulations Engineer 3 to support the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.
The Seeker Modeling and Simulations Engineer 3, 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.
- 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
#AZSpace - https://jobs.northropgrumman.com/careers?query=AZSpace
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.Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related experience, or a master’s degree in STEM and 3 years of experience
- Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance, current and within scope, at application
- Experience with image and signal processing techniques
- Expertise in physical optical-system simulations and scene generation
- Object-oriented software design experience
- Programming experience in C or C++
- Experience with MATLAB or Python
- Knowledge of electro-optics, EO/IR imaging systems, and radiometric transfer principles
- Experience with high-performance computing environments
- Advanced degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering with an image-processing focus, Physics, or Software
- Experience with missile or hypersonic missile systems and associated standards
- Experience with DoD missile defense programs
- Experience with video/image-processing algorithms, including target detection, false-alarm rejection, radiometric estimation, object localization, and sensor control
- Familiarity with hardware/software integration and physics-based or real-time systems modeling
- Proficiency with software change-management tools, processes, and real-time programming
- Highly proficient C/C++ development and Linux experience
- High proficiency with MATLAB and Python toolchains
- Experience with discrimination algorithms
- Experience using the MSLRAD scene generator
- Experience restructuring algorithms to improve HPC runtime
- Familiarity with software and firmware development processes
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
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We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.






