Senior Principal Optical Payload Systems Engineer Northrop Grumman

• Redondo Beach, California

PERMANENT

Updated 09/17/2026 Job Description Job Summary

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START

Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE

SCITRAVEL:

Yes, 10 of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact peoples 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 nations 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, theyre making history. Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Senior Principal 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 Senior Principal 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 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. If you have the pioneering spirit and technical expertise to develop groundbreaking systems, we invite you to help define the future of space exploration and innovation. This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) along with acquiring and maintaining customer and/or business funding. Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future. 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:

Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 8+ years of engineering experience OR a Masters of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 6+ years of engineering experience OR a Phd in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) discipline and 4+ years of engineering experience 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:

Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate Degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Science Experience with remote sensing, Space Situational Awareness (SSA), communications or directed energy Candidates have 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. This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future. Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector?

Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space. Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

•

Flexible Schedules:

for example, the 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 of work. LosAngelesSpace LI-DB1

Primary Level Salary Range:

$142,200.00

• $213,400.

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 candidates 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. Job and company information not to be copied, shared, scraped, or otherwise disseminated without explicit consent of JSfirm, LLC.