Sr. Principal EO/IR Engineer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Melbourne
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time 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. 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’s Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Sr. Principal 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 on 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 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: Sr. Principal EO/IR Engineer (T04): Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 8 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 6 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering. Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Secret clearance, and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company. 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 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 Primary Level Salary Range: $118,600.00 - $178,000.00 The 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.

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