below marketmost similar roles pay hereabove market
This role pays less than
62%
of similar roles. Most pay
$130,750–$184,925
— the blue band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$142k
versus about
$158k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
Employer
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company providing systems in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics. Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Northrop Grumman currently has
629 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$117,500–$176,300
across 314 roles with salary data.
The Physicist - Level 3 joins the Thermal, Optical, and Power Systems unit to support research and development activities in East Hartford. Working within the Optical and R&D Group, this individual contributor develops microwave and photonic solutions for defense, industrial, and scientific markets. Key responsibilities include leading studies of RF/Photonics applications, deriving candidate architectures, and developing algorithms using model-based and AI/ML approaches. The role involves conducting trade studies, overseeing third-party fabrication, and communicating technical findings to customers. Required skills include experience in microwave circuit or RF photonic circuit design, analysis, and fabrication. Candidates should be proficient in data processing environments like MATLAB or numerical Python, and potentially use COMSOL for multiphysics simulation. The work addresses complex technical problems in ISR, directed energy, laser communications, and space environments.
Lead studies of RF/Photonics applications to derive candidate architectures for link budgets and performance expectations.
Research state-of-the-art RF applications through literature studies, conference attendance, and expert discussions.
Develop mission algorithms using model-based and AI/ML approaches based on chosen architectures.
Conduct trade studies to determine optimal designs and algorithms from analyzed possibilities.
Oversee the fabrication and packaging of chosen designs by third-party providers.
Review and analyze business capture opportunities and lead proposal capture efforts.
Communicate technical approaches and decisions clearly to customers and internal stakeholders.
Travel to customer locations to support design and program reviews.
What we're looking for
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance and pass a Counterintelligence polygraph.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics with 5+ years of experience in microwave circuit or RF photonic circuit design, analysis, and fabrication.
Master’s degree with 3+ years of experience in microwave circuit or RF photonic circuit design, analysis, and fabrication.
Familiarity with microwave circuit technologies and how component choices drive system performance.
Experience with a general-purpose data processing environment such as MATLAB or numerical Python.
Ability to travel 10% to 20% of the time.
8+ years of experience in microwave circuit or RF photonic circuit design, analysis, and fabrication (preferred).
Experience with COMSOL or other multiphysics simulation software (preferred).
Proven performance on low-TRL projects (preferred).
Familiarity with RF products in the space environment (preferred).
Past experience with radar or electronic warfare systems (preferred).
Python
MATLAB
JMP
Excel
SolidWorks
AutoCAD
Design of Experiments (DOE)
Statistical Analysis
Semiconductor Process Development
Plasma Physics
Vacuum Systems
Data Management Systems
CAD
X-Ray Fluorescence
Metrology
Inspection Systems
System Design
Statistical Data Analysis
Physics
Product Development
Feasibility Studies
Risk Management
Substrate Technologies