Northrop Grumman Space Systems is searching for a Sr. Principal Electro-Optical Engineer (Level 4) to be part of our Integration and Test team in Launch Systems, at our Chandler, AZ facility. This position will be 100% on-site in Chandler. Relocation assistance is not available.
Job Responsibilities
The candidate will serve as an Integration and Test Senior Principal Electrical Engineer for one of our key programs, requiring the candidate to function in a dynamic multi-disciplinary environment. Daily responsibilities may require direct contact with Launch Systems flight hardware and electrical ground support equipment. Specific duties may include:
Developing and maintaining a strong technical understanding of seeker systems to aid in identification and troubleshooting of potential issues and ensuring all requirements flowed from the customer’s statement of scope are addressed.
Leading/directing/performing hands-on electrical testing of EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems such as sensors and imaging optics at a systems level.
Developing/maintaining EO/IR assembly and test procedures for launch vehicle systems (sensors, imaging optics, etc) and electronic ground support equipment.
Incorporating hardware and/or software design changes.
Documenting & dispositioning hardware discrepancies, pursuing root cause & corrective actions.
Coordinating and scheduling day-to-day integration and test activities across engineering disciplines by communicating with lead engineers; leading and participating in daily status meetings.
Leading, training, tasking cross-functional engineers and team members.
Transferring knowledge to less experienced I&T engineers.
Asserting producibility and testability concepts into early design phases.
Overseeing all I&T bay and cleanroom activities to ensure compliance with safety standards, Launch Systems procedures, processes, and command media.
Ensuring special test equipment is maintained, calibrated, and ready for use.
Basic Qualifications
Minimum Education / Experience: 8 Years with Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or qualifying discipline; 6 Years with Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or qualifying discipline.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance.
Understanding/Experience with EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems such as sensors and imaging optics at a systems level.
Experience with cleanroom operations ISO-6, ISO-7.
Hands-on electrical testing and diagnostic experience.
Understanding of Space Environment test requirements – thermal vacuum, cycle testing, vibe and shock testing, etc.
Experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, high voltage systems, and laser systems.
Experience with aerospace standards/guidelines.
Experience with documenting & dispositioning hardware discrepancies, and pursuing root cause & corrective actions.
Experience leading/training junior engineers and/or team members.
Ability to travel: Travel expectation 10-20%.
Your Distinct Strengths:
Ability to innovate and lead digital transformation efforts.
Experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform.
Ability to independently resolve problems and drive all tasks to completion.
Ability to work at a fast pace, while multi-tasking, and still communicate effectively.
Ability to work in a team environment, and lead small projects or teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Electro-Optical Engineering or Physics.
Active U.S. Government security clearance of Secret or above.
Experience with relevant seeker con-ops and performance needs.
Experience with optical imaging systems ranging from the visible to LWIR spectrum.
Extensive understanding/experience with EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems such as sensors and imaging optics at a systems level.
Former/current EE lead on other LV programs, or other similar programs.
Extensive understanding of Space Environment test requirements – thermal vacuum, cycle testing, vibe and shock testing, etc.
Extensive experience working with operational hazards such as propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, and high voltage systems.
Extensive experience with aerospace standards/guidelines.
Experience performing formal requirements decomposition and/or verification.
Experience with external customer interfacing including meetings, presentations & negotiations.
Extensive experience with MES, or other digital work instruction platform.
We work a 9/80 schedule (9 hours per day Mon-Thurs, 8 hours every other Friday with the alternate Friday off)
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Primary Level Salary Range: $135,000.00 - $202,600.00The 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 of Science in Electrical Engineering with 8 years experience, or Master of Science in Electrical Engineering with 6 years experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
- Understanding/experience with EO/IR systems such as sensors and imaging optics at a systems level
- Experience with cleanroom operations ISO-6 and ISO-7
- Hands-on electrical testing and diagnostic experience
- Understanding of space environment test requirements (thermal vacuum, cycle testing, vibration and shock testing)
- Experience working with operational hazards (propulsive devices, pressurized systems, overhead lifting, high voltage systems, laser systems)
- Experience with aerospace standards and guidelines
- Experience documenting and dispositioning hardware discrepancies and pursuing root cause and corrective actions
- Experience leading and training junior engineers and/or team members
- Ability to travel approximately 10-20%
- Experience with MES or other digital work instruction platforms
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electro-Optical Engineering or Physics
- Active U.S. Government security clearance of Secret or above
- Experience with optical imaging systems from visible to LWIR and seeker con-ops/performance needs
- Experience performing formal requirements decomposition and/or verification
- Experience interfacing with external customers (meetings, presentations, negotiations)
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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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
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.
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