Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Staff Electro-Optics Infrared (EO/IR) Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.
The selected engineer will perform as a member of the EO/IR team in key efforts to develop novel and innovative solutions to advanced technical problems. The successful engineer will contribute to the overall development of EO/IR sensor subsystems, including Concept Development, Technology Trade Studies, Requirements Development and Derivation, Algorithm Development, Performance Analysis, Data Analysis, build and test of hardware prototypes.
Responsibilities may include:
Support design development and integration of EOIR sensor subsystems and components to meet platform mission objectives
Development, analysis, maturation and implementation translating customer requirements into hardware and software specifications
Willingness to learn new and existing high fidelity, physics-based EOIR system performance models and optical modeling
Modeling/Developing / analyzing sensor performance, predicting performance as installed on an airborne platform
Solicit input from various stakeholders, synthesize data, and communicate results
Ensure performance capabilities of new systems traded against cost and mission requirements and assess operational effectiveness of existing and emerging systems and capabilities in representative operational environments.
Supports the EO/IR team through development/implementation activities.
Ability to build and test hardware prototypes in a laboratory environment
Perform characterization of EOIR subsystems and component level parts
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 12 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 10 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience.
Demonstrated experience with sensor development, IR payloads, fiber optics
Background in EO/IR and laser technology and system design for airborne or space platforms
Experience with EO/IR sensor component design and performance analysis
Experience in the modeling of EO/IR systems to assess performance
Knowledge of system engineering design methods, including requirements analysis and flow-down, specification derivation and interface control documentation
Must have an active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
Strong desire to learn, take initiative and contribute in a team-oriented environment
Demonstrated mathematical problem-solving ability and data analysis experience
Demonstrated interpersonal communication, presentation skills, verbal and written communication skills
Work experience with one of the following areas related to EOIR systems: lasers, LiDAR, Sensing, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic protection, ID, or adaptive technique
Customer focus and collaboration skills
Demonstrated team leadership experience
An understanding of the physical limitations to implementing complex algorithms in real hardware
Experience working with free-space optics and characterizing optical/laser systems
Use of optical metrology to measure parameters such as laser power, wavelength, pulse width, divergence and beam quality
Skills Required
- Bachelor's in STEM with 12 years experience OR Master's in STEM with 10 years experience OR PhD in STEM with 8 years experience
- Demonstrated experience with sensor development, IR payloads, and fiber optics
- Background in EO/IR and laser technology and system design for airborne or space platforms
- Experience with EO/IR sensor component design and performance analysis
- Experience modeling EO/IR systems to assess performance
- Knowledge of systems engineering methods including requirements analysis, flow-down, specification derivation, and interface control documentation
- Ability to build and test hardware prototypes in a laboratory environment and perform characterization of EO/IR subsystems and components
- Must have an active U.S. Government Secret clearance (background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within business timeframe
- Strong desire to learn, take initiative, and contribute in a team-oriented environment
- Mathematical problem-solving ability and data analysis experience
- Work experience with lasers, LiDAR, sensing, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic protection, identification, or adaptive techniques
- Experience with free-space optics and characterizing optical/laser systems
- Experience using optical metrology to measure laser power, wavelength, pulse width, divergence and beam quality
- Demonstrated interpersonal, presentation, verbal and written communication skills and team leadership experience
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
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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.






