Optomechanical Engineer

Staff Optomechanical Engineer

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is looking for a Staff Optomechanical Engineer to support the Electro-Optics Group within the Launch Vehicles business unit in Chandler, Arizona.

You will work as part of a multi-disciplinary seeker engineering team responsible for design, integration, and testing of development and flight hardware. The role focuses on the mechanical design and analysis of optical assemblies and structures, ensuring robust performance in demanding flight and environmental conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to the mechanical design of optical assemblies, mounts, and structures for imaging and sensing systems.
• Perform Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance (STOP) analysis and Structurally Induced Line of Sight (SILOS) analysis to ensure system performance over expected environmental and operational conditions.
• Develop complex 3D CAD models, detailed part/assembly drawings, and associated documentation.
• Work collaboratively with optical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing engineering teams to refine requirements and ensure design feasibility and producibility.
• Support environmental test planning, execution, and correlation of analysis with test results (vibration, thermal, shock, etc.).
• Serve as a reviewer in design reviews and present technical findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and design updates for prototype and production hardware.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of error budgets related to optomechanical performance and line-of-sight stability

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related discipline from an accredited university and 12 years of relevant experience; or a Master's degree and 10 years of experience; or a PhD and 8 years of experience.
• Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.
• Substantial experience with opto-mechanical or precision electro-mechanical design, analysis, and integration.
• Demonstrated skill in structural and thermal analysis methods and their impact on optical performance (e.g., STOP / SILOS concepts); ANSYS preferred.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (e.g., CREO, NX, Solid Works); NX preferred.
• Knowledge of configuring parametric CAD models in support of Design of Experiment (DOE).
• Experience with optical imaging systems in one or more bands (e.g., visible through LWIR) and the impacts of optical component mounting and alignment.
• Expertise in relevant industry standards (such as ISO, MIL-STD).
• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills, including the ability to generate clear documentation and present design/analysis results.
• Experience with presenting detailed and concise technical content to program leadership and customer leadership/SMEs

Primary Level Salary Range: $ – $

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.

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.