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# Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Systems - Radiometric

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Azusa, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Algorithm Design, Computer Programming, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Monte Carlo Methods, Requirements Management, Simulation Software, Systems Modeling Language, Test Data, Zemax, SC Clearance, Modeling and Simulation
- **Published:** September 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9140551/principalsr-principal-engineer-systems-radiometric

## About the Role

* B.S. with a minimum of 5 years of experience, M.S. with a minimum of 3 years of experience, or PhD a minimum of with 1 year of experience in Electrical Engineering Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field.
 * 3-5 years of engineering experience with radiometric analysis for imaging or hyperspectral sensors.
 * Proficiency in MATLAB or Python for data analysis and modeling.
 * Familiarity with optical design tools (e.g., Zemax, FRED, Code V).
 * Understanding of detector physics, noise sources, point source characterization, and calibration methods.
 * Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
 * Communication
 * Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to produce clear technical documentation., * B.S. with a minimum of 8 years of experience, M.S. with a minimum of 6 years of experience, or PhD a minimum of with 4 years of experience in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field (M.S. preferred).
 * 7-10 years of relevant engineering experience with radiometric performance of complex sensor systems, including at least 3 years in a senior or lead role.
 * Advanced expertise in radiometric modeling, simulation, and data-fusion techniques.
 * Proficient programming in MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ for algorithm development.
 * Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional technical teams.
 * Security
 * Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
 * Leadership
 * Proven track record of technical mentorship, project leadership, and stakeholder engagement., * Active DoD Secret level or Top Secret Level Clearance
 * Direct experience with space-qualified remote sensing mission payloads.
 * Hands-on experience with radiometric test equipment
 * Experience using statistical analysis methods (Monte-Carlo, Bayesian inference) for error budgeting.
 * Prior involvement in US Government program reviews (e.g., PDR, CDR, IRAD).
 * Experience with interfacing radiometric modeling and simulation, and requirements management into Model Based Systems Engineering workflows
 * Experience with infrared image processing in embedded systems (FPGA, GPU)
 * Published technical papers or patents in radiometry, sensor calibration, or related fields.
 * Experience leading system-level performance trade studies for multi-spectral or hyperspectral missions.
 * Direct involvement with on-orbit calibration strategies and post-launch performance validation.
 * Familiarity with model-based system engineering (MBSE) tools (e.g., SysML, Cameo).
 * Experience interfacing with US government customers and supporting acquisition processes (e.g., FAR, DFARS, EVM).
 * Strong network within the radiometric and remote-sensing community (conference participation, standards committees).

## Description

* Develop and maintain Electro Optical Infrared (EO/IR) radiometric budgets, error-budget models, and performance trade studies.
 * Conduct end-to-end signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), radiometric resolution, and calibration analyses using tools such as MATLAB, Python, and/or specialized radiometric simulation software.
 * Interface with hardware teams to define detector characteristics, optics throughput, and on-board processing requirements.
 * Support trade-off studies for detector selection, optics designs, and data-rate constraints.
 * Participate in calibration and test planning, execution, and post-test data analysis for laboratory, ground-support, and flight-test campaigns.
 * Provide technical input for program schedules, risk assessments, and cost estimates.
 * Prepare technical reports, presentations, and briefings for internal and external stakeholders.
 * Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives within the EO/IR Radiometric Engineering community.