Optical Payload Systems Engineer
About the Role
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking an Optical Payload Systems Engineer to join our team in Redondo Beach, California. This role focuses on advancing space systems through comprehensive systems engineering efforts. The Optical Payload Systems Engineer will contribute to architecture trade studies, system design analysis, and performance modeling through advanced simulations. In this capacity, you will define and manage requirements, develop segment interfaces, and leverage cutting-edge technologies in optical sensing, communications, directed energy, RF systems, digital hardware, and microelectronics.
Key Responsibilities
Key responsibilities span the complete product development lifecycle, including:
- Supporting new business acquisition and IRAD/technology development initiatives
- Defining system architectures, conducting trade studies, and developing specifications
- Allocating and validating requirements and contributing to payload performance analysis
- Designing modeling and simulation tools for system-level performance evaluation
- Leading payload hardware development for space and ground systems integration
- Managing subcontractor performance, hardware manufacturing, and integration processes
By joining this team, you'll play a critical role in delivering advanced integrated hardware and software systems that enable missions spanning Earth and beyond.
Required Experience
Essential experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Overhead Infrared (OPIR) system
- Electro-Optics
- Sensor design
- Remote sensing
- High energy laser systems
- Lasercom systems
- Spacecraft system design
- Image processing
- RF and digital hardware design
- Signal detection and estimation
- Control Systems
- Structures/Dynamics
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 2+ years of engineering experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline
- Possesses strong leadership qualities, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills
- Experience designing, integrating, testing and operating optical and/or RF systems
- Must have active DoD Top Secret AND the ability and willingness to obtain SCI clearance at time of application
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor, Master or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science
- Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy
- Completed relevant coursework in optics, control systems, remote sensing, lasercom and/or DSP
- Experience with baseband and EO/IR sensors, high energy lasers, and/or remote sensing applications
- Active TS with SCI clearance at time of application
Pay & Schedule
- Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00
- Flexible Schedules: ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off