Machine Perception (MP) Engineer

• Level 3 or 4 Northrop Grumman
• Dulles, Virginia

PERMANENT

Updated 06/2026 Job Description Job Summary

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE

Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START

No

CLEARANCE TYPE

None

TRAVEL:

Yes, 10 of the TimeDescription At 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. Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman's Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Machine Perception (MP) Engineer

• Level 3 or 4 located in Dulles, VA, you'll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

This position is 100 onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work. This role will support our Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) department, located in Dulles, Virginia. Space Systems is designing, building, and testing spacecraft for DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites. We are seeking highly talented and ambitious engineers with backgrounds in Machine Perception including Computer Vision (CV), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML). Experience and/or education in spacecraft navigation, robotics, and/or embedded processing is preferred. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: The MP engineer will work within the GNC subsystem team and is expected to: Design, develop, integrate, and test machine perception algorithms for real-time on-board processing on space vehicles and near-real-time processing within ground systems Conduct rigorous testing, validation, and tuning of machine perception algorithms in simulated and laboratory environments Collaborate with other engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of machine perception systems with the overall space system Analyze data from heritage space missions to refine and optimize machine perception algorithms Stay current with advancements in machine perception technologies and techniques to continuously improve system performance Prepare technical documentation and reports detailing design processes, testing outcomes, and performance evaluations Design, develop, test, and verify flight algorithms for the MP subsystem and support flight software qualification testing Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including sensor selection and placement and predicted performance assessments Develop and maintain simulation models Communication is a key element of your role and all engineers are expected to: Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of machine perception, vehicle dynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advance program/project goals Document designs, analysis, and test results, and generate presentation material Participate in peer reviews with internal and external customers Work well within small

• to medium-sized groups Other duties as assigned If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team! 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. Basic Qualifications for Level 3: Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience
• OR•Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience•OR•PhD with 1 year of professional experience.

Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, and Python Experience with Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, and/or Machine Learning algorithms to support space vehicle navigation or robotics Practical experience with imaging sensors (Visible, LWIR, MWIR) Basic Qualifications for Level 4: Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience

• OR•Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience•OR•PhD with 4 years of professional experience.

Will consider an additional 4+ years of experience in lieu of degree. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access within a reasonable period of time Strong proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink, C/C++, and Python Experience with Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, and/or Machine Learning algorithms to support space vehicle navigation or robotics Practical experience with imaging sensors (Visible, LWIR, MWIR)

Preferred Qualifications:

Active/Current Top Secret/SCI Clearance MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math Familiarity with scene rendering Experience in attitude estimation techniques Experience in spacecraft MP subsystem design, analysis, and testing Experience implementing MP algorithms on embedded systems Prior work experience in a related field Proficiency with version control systems such as Git and SVN Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and digital transformation tools (such as the Atlassian suite) Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities 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 LI-VP1

Primary Level Salary Range:

$114,000.00

• $171,000.

00

Secondary Level Salary Range:

$142,200.00

• $213,400.

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 candidates experience, education, skills and current spanet 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.