Machine Perception Engineer – Level 6

Northrop Grumman

. Design, integrate, and validate precision actuator-driver position systems for optical test and calibration .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $192,800 - $289,200 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing and integrating precision actuator-driver position systems, with proficiency in C/C++, C#, and MATLAB for hardware-software interfacing. Strong background in camera optics, control systems, and hands-on hardware integration, supporting advanced aerospace applications.

Highest-signal resume keywords

C/C++ ProgrammingMATLAB ProficiencyControl Systems ConceptsCamera Optics FundamentalsActuator Integration Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

C/C++ ProgrammingC# ProgrammingMATLAB ProficiencyControl Systems ConceptsMotion Control SchemesImage Acquisition SystemsNumerical MethodsLinear AlgebraComputer Vision AlgorithmsTrajectory Generation

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving SkillsCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Camera Hardware SDKsDLLsHIL SetupsSerial CommunicationGPIBUSBEtherCAT

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Government Top-Secret Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Aerospace EngineeringOptical EngineeringEO/IR Sensor SystemsSpace/Defense Optical PayloadsGuidance, Navigation, and Control

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

C++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, integrate, and validate precision actuator-driver position systems for optical test and calibration
Develop and maintain software interfaces between camera hardware SDKs/DLLs and C++/C#/MATLAB for synchronized image acquisition with actuator motion
Assist in characterizing and calibrating camera/optical system performance, including PSF, MTF, distortion, and FOV
Implement closed-loop and coordinated multi-axis motion control schemes, including coarse/fine position architectures
Develop motion-planning routines such as scan patterns and trajectory generation for test-cell or hardware-in-the-loop demonstrations
Support system-level test architectures, including HIL setups simulating long-range or dynamic scenarios
Document test procedures, calibration results, and system performance for engineering review
Collaborate with senior engineers across optics, controls, and software disciplines to mature system designs
Work within the Guidance, Navigation, and Control subsystem team supporting spacecraft for DoD, NASA, and commercial customers

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with 14 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree with 12 years of professional experience OR PhD with 9 years of professional experience
Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Optical Engineering, or a related field
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance
U.S. citizenship
Interest or experience integrating actuators/motion controllers into test or measurement systems
Experience interfacing vendor hardware SDKs/DLLs with MATLAB or C++
Working knowledge of camera optics fundamentals, including focal length, pixel pitch, and FOV
Proficiency in C/C++ or C# and MATLAB
Some experience with control systems concepts, including PID and feedforward control, applied to positioning systems
Strong problem-solving skills and interest in hands-on hardware integration work
Preferred: Active/Current Top Secret
Preferred: MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math
Preferred: Experience with computer vision/image processing algorithm development
Preferred: Background in EO/IR sensor systems or space/defense optical payloads
Preferred: Familiarity with Serial, GPIB, USB, and EtherCAT communication protocols
Preferred: Foundation in numerical methods and linear algebra
Preferred: Exposure to realistic scene generation/rendering and simulation environments
Preferred: GPU programming experience with CUDA, OpenCL, or shader-based pipelines

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off
Overtime eligibility may be available
Shift differential may be available
Discretionary bonus eligibility
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business