Principal Engineer Optical
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Sep 17, 2026 · 1mo ago
United States-California-Redondo Beach
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$210K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: 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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems sector, located in Redondo Beach, California, is seeking a Principal Engineer Optical to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The qualified applicant will become part of a team that provides enabling state-of-the-art technology engineered into national security defense systems and civilian science and environmental missions. We provide integrated system expertise for our primary products which include high-energy and high-peak power laser subsystems, beam control and optical subsystems, from component design and development through system integration.
**Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date**
Roles & Responsibilities:
-Integration & test of solid-state laser systems including both CW and pulsed laser systems, encompassing both fiber and slab technologies
-Supporting the optical and opto-mechanical design of high power (multi-kW) laser systems with associated free-space optical assemblies and beam paths
-Applying technical expertise in laser and optics, with knowledge of related disciplines
-Laser product development and productization of laser technology
-Developing technical solutions to complex problems which require ingenuity and creativity.
-Ability to work both independently and as part of larger engineering teams
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) discipline with 5+ years of laser experience; or Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ years of laser experience; or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 1+ years of laser experience
- Experience working with high-power solid-state laser systems, including fiber lasers and amplifiers
- Laser system integration background with knowledge of hardware requirements and testing
- Ability to independently set up and perform system tests, including free-space optical beam trains and diagnostics
- Ability to prepare and present briefing packages to both internal and external customers, communicating technical approaches and findings
- US citizenship and the ability to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Government security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or Electrical Engineering
- Experience in the design, integration and test of high-power (kW-class and above) laser systems, including fiber lasers and amplifiers operating at high powers, and optical alignments of free-space beam paths
- Understanding of laser-related physics, and possessing physics-based modeling capability and techniques
- Familiarity with suppliers of optics, coatings and fiber-related components.
- Optical design capability using Code V or Zemax design tools
- Active U.S. Government security clearance at the Top Secret level with a background investigation date within 6 years, or active U.S. Government SCI access with a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) completed within the last 5 years
**Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award and obtaining customer funding prior to the start date**
#LosAngelesSpace
#SpaceEngJobs
Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Benefits
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Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off