Optical Application Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Corporation is offering a challenging and rewarding career as a Optical Engineer/Principal Optical Engineer within the Mission Systems Sector located at our Rolling Meadows, IL facility.
This position supports the design, development, build, and test validation of ruggedized optical products for military applications. The candidate will work within the Hardware Engineering organization. It is a high performing organization that values its employees and has a strong sense of purpose tied to the vision of Northrop Grumman: To be the most trusted provider of systems and technologies that ensure the security and the freedom of our nation and its allies. The candidate will be able to grow personally and professionally in an ethical and inclusive environment, while being an important part of a great team.
Designs, models, analyzes, and tests optical and electro-optical systems and components, including sensors, lasers, fiber-optics, and telecommunications products. Conducts research and development into phases of physical optics and geometric optics, lasers, laser characteristics, laser maintenance, and broadband optical sources. Applies research of complex optical systems to achieve desired optical manipulations. Develops component specifications, tolerances, simulations and tests procedures for electro-optical systems and components. Uses design-to-cost models, six sigma methodology, and other methods to assure optical design requirements met.
The engineer will be responsible for solving challenging problems through the development and application of optical technologies including passive and active infrared imaging, laser illumination and marking/identification, fiber optic systems, and meta-optics. The engineer must have demonstrated expertise in optical design along with optical simulation analysis or opto-mechanical design and analysis. The optical engineer must have proficiency in one of the optical design/analysis tools. The engineer will serve on cross-functional teams, and interface frequently with related disciplines, including mechanical engineers and customers/stakeholders. Strong communication skills are an advantage for success in all phases of the role.
The engineer will also contribute to overall knowledge base and skill level of the organization via coaching, knowledge transfer, and process improvement activities.
This position will be full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location
This position can be filled at the Optical or Principal Optical Level based on requirements below:
This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Optical Engineer:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related Engineering field with a concentration in Optics with 2+ years of experience, or master's degree with no experience.
- Demonstrated aptitude in at least one of the following subjects: aligning complex optical systems, designing metrology measurements, optical design, optical analysis, or opto-mechanical design and analysis.
- Experience in one of the optical design/analysis tools such as Zemax OpticStudio (preferred), Code V, OSLO, Trace Pro, FRED or equivalent.
- Demonstrated application of innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- U. S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret security clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Optical Engineer:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related Engineering field with a concentration in Optics with 5+ years of experience, or Master's degree and 3+ years of experience, or Doctorate and 1+ years of experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following subjects: aligning complex optical systems, designing metrology measurements, optical design, optical analysis, or opto-mechanical design and analysis.
- Proficiency in one of the optical design/analysis tools such as Zemax OpticStudio (preferred), Code V, OSLO, Trace Pro, FRED or equivalent.
- Demonstrated application of innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- U. S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret security clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master's or Doctorate degree in Optical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related Engineering field with a concentration in Optics.
- Expertise in optical design for optical measurements/alignment of multi-element imaging systems.
- Expertise in optical design of multi-element imaging systems.
- Familiarity with MWIR/LWIR optical materials.
- Expertise in the optical design/analysis tool, Zemax OpticStudio.
- Familiarity with opto-mechanical engineering.
- Experience presenting at design reviews and customer/stakeholder briefings.
- Experience reviewing technical work products of peers.
- Leadership in process improvement or knowledge transfer (i.e. publication) activities.
- Experience contributing to development and mentoring of junior engineers.
- Active U.S. Government security clearance.
Primary Level Salary Range: $96,300.00 - $144,500.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00
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 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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.