Optical Engineer

Requisition ID: R10056125Category: EngineeringLocation: East Hartford, Connecticut, United States of AmericaCitizenship Required: United States CitizenshipClearance Type: Top SecretTelecommute: No- Teleworking not available for this positionShift: 1st Shift (United States of America)Travel Required: NoPositions Available: 1At 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.Adaptive Optics Associates - Xinetics (AOA Xinetics), a wholly-owned Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Payload and Ground Systems Division Business Venture, has an exciting opportunity for an Optical Engineer to support Special Programs business activities in East Hartford, CT.AOA Xinetics (AOX) designs and manufactures mission critical optical and photonic solutions. We serve markets worldwide including defense (ISR, directed energy, laser communications), industrial (freight logistics, semiconductor) and scientific (astronomy). Since its inception, AOX has been 'working light'' for the betterment of our customers, the protection of our nation and the advancement of humankind.OverviewReporting directly to the Special Programs Optical Engineering Manager, the Optical Engineer will perform as a member of an interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists to develop novel and innovative solutions to advanced technical problems. Conduct research and development into physical optics, geometric optics, lasers, and advanced optical communications systems. Design, develop, build, and test systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies. Develop mathematical models for simulation and analysis of optical and electro-optical systems. The engineer will be responsible for the overall development of optical systems, including specifying, selecting, and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing, and benchmarking system performance models, and implementing test procedures.Role and Responsibilities:Design and analyze optical components and subsystemsSpecify optical components for fabrication by Qualified SuppliersDevelop test plans and perform testing of optical components and subsystemsContribute to the development of innovative solutions to difficult problemsPerform experiments using ultrafast lasersDesign micro-optical systems for fiber-optic applications.Perform testing on optical assemblies and photonic systems.Document designs and test resultsPresent results to customersBasic Requirements:BS in Physics or Optics with minimum of 2 years'' experience in a technical field, or 0 years'' experience with a MS in Optical Engineering or PhysicsHands-on skills for assembly and testing of designsExperience with precision optical, micro-optic and/or fiber optic componentsFamiliarity with digital imaging devices and optimizing settings to take high quality images, building custom vision systems from COTS components for specific applications; calibrating imaging systems to enable measurementsGreat problem solving and troubleshooting skillsGood verbal and written communications skills for presentation of technical approaches, work performed, and test resultsUS Citizenship is a bona fide requirement as applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified informationPreferred Qualifications:Active Government Top Secret Clearance or SSBIMS in Physics or OpticsExperience in DoD, or Aerospace product development and manufacturingExperience with fiber optic systemsExperience with lab instrumentation, such as optical spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, laser sources and power metersKnowledge of computer instrumentation control.Knowledge of LabVIEW, MATLAB, and Python programming languages.Knowledge of Zemax optical design softwareSalary Range: $90,600 USD - $136,000 USDEmployees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.

Created: 2025-11-15