Senior Principal Adaptive Optics Systems Architect
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Ayer
Posted on: August 5, 2022
Job 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.
Adaptive Optics Associates - Xinetics (AOA Xinetics), a
wholly-owned Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Payload and Ground
Systems Division Business Venture, is currently seeking a Senior
Principal Adaptive Optics Systems Architect for its operations in
Devens MA. OverviewReporting to the Xinetics Design Engineering
Manager, the Adaptive Optics (AO) System Architect, will be
defining the requirements and performance budgets, simulating
system performance, and developing implementation details of the
Wave Front Sensor (WFS), Relay Optics, Camera/sensor selection, and
lenslet arrays. The AO systems engineer will also be responsible
for defining the AO System SW algorithms and executing integration
and verification of the adaptive optics system. The AO systems
engineer will lead/guide the mechanical, electrical, optical and
software engineers to develop designs that support the AO system
architecture. The AO Systems Engineer will plan, manage and balance
engineering technical, cost and schedule performance of programs,
coordinate proposal technical efforts and ensure that programs are
adhering to sound engineering principles and processes.This role
collaborates with program management, manufacturing, quality,
supply chain, suppliers and other partners, and serves as the
primary customer technical point of contact ensuring that customer
requirements and deliverables are met. You will collaborate with
the Xinetics Business Area CTO with identifying, supporting and
implementing strategic product development projects.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the development of AO Systems
- Verify adaptive optics control algorithms and end-to-end
performance
- Lead the identification, procurement and testing of AO-related
subsystems such as wavefront sensors/cameras, relay optics, and
deformable mirrors
- Analyze performance using computer simulations and analytical
models
- Lead acceptance tests of AO systems and subsystems
- Prepare technical reports to document the AO design and
performance
- Prepare and deliver presentations at technical reviews and
conferences
- Requirements and interface development, decomposition,
analysis, refinement, allocation, verification and validation
- Coordinate and lead technical project planning and Gate Reviews
(SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR)
- Coordinate and conduct system performance analysis and trade
studies
- Establish and manage system error budgets
- Develop and maintain product technical baseline
- Collaborate with internal/external stakeholders (e.g. peers,
management, PMO, manufacturing, quality, outside suppliers,
etc.)
- Partner with Xinetics Business Area Manager, Program Managers
and other technical personnel on quotes, proposals and responses to
customer technical inquiries
- Risk and opportunity management and lead problem
investigator
- Learn existing business related technologies, keep up to date
with new emerging technologies for integration into product
portfolio
- Controls engineering project scope (e.g. within or outside
established project baseline) Basic Qualifications:
- A BS or MS degree in optical science, astronomy, physics, or
related field
- 9+ years experience in Systems Engineering with a Bachelor's
Degree, or 7 years with a Master's, or 4 years with a PhD
- At least five (5) years of experience in the development or use
of adaptive optics systems
- Strong analytical skills
- Knowledge of AO theory, modeling techniques, components, and
testing methods
- Competency using high-level programming languages such as
Matlab, IDL, or Python
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment
- Review preparation and presentation skills
- Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external
stakeholders
- Advanced MS Office skills (Power Point, Excel, Word, MS
Project, Outlook)
- U.S. Citizenship is a requirement for employment as candidate
may be required to obtain a clearancePreferred Qualifications:
- A PhD in optical science, astronomy, physics, or related
field
- Knowledge/experience with control of adaptive optical systems
including adaptive optics, fast steering mirrors, gimbal systems,
jitter/beamwalk controls (interferometric) and/or deformable
mirrors
- Hands-on experience developing and testing astronomical
adaptive optics systems or laboratory optical testbeds
- Experience using Zemax, Code V, or similar optical design and
analysis tools
- Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance Physical Requirements:
- Occasional domestic/international travel required up to 10-20%
of the time
- Ability to walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time and
light physical effort required
Employees 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
https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/ .Northrop
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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO . U.S.
Citizenship is required for most positions.
Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Nashua , Senior Principal Adaptive Optics Systems Architect, Other , Ayer, New Hampshire
Didn't find what you're looking for? Search again!
Loading more jobs...