Principal Research Scientist

Northrop Grumman, Space Systems, is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to join our Adhesives and Coatings Research team. This position will be supporting the Propulsion Systems Division at our facility located in Promontory UT.

We are excited for you to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals. Our domain provides rewarding work that contributes to the latest advancements being made in the aerospace and defense industry.

Role Description and Responsibilities:

This research scientist position is for a technical expert in the materials and processes associated with Adhesive and Coatings used in the fabrication of solid rocket motors. The primary functions are material development, design support for process development, and production support located at the Promontory Utah facilities. They are also the principal investigator and contributor for test efforts involving materials and processes associated with adhesives, coatings, and thermal protection systems. This includes troubleshooting and problem resolution involving material obsolescence issues and evaluation of replacements and recommended design/material changes to address legacy production challenges.

• Production support for material issues, including paints, primers, adhesives, coatings, and Thermal Protection Systems

• Define and manage requirements for materials and processes

• Define test objectives, author engineering test plans, write ESI planning to direct test efforts, prepare test reports, and provide oversight for test activities

• Development, qualification, execution, and on-going support of new test specimens and methods as dictated by program needs

• Provide technical design and production support to existing programs and programs in development

• Provide nonconformance support and dispositions as needed to maintain production or testing schedule and ensure compliance with test requirements

• Evaluate compliance of materials used in the design to the requirements provided by the customers

• Travel expectation of 0%-5%, with primary work location at Promontory, Utah.

Basic Qualifications:  

• Minimum of a BS in classical Engineering or Material Science disciple or related closely field required

• BS degree with 5 years’ experience, or MS degree with 3 years’ experience or 0 years with a Ph.D.

Required Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering or related field (3 years with a Masters)

• Knowledge of solid rocket motor and production, including related manufacturing processes

• Experience with laboratory testing or production processing

• Demonstrated team leadership skills

• Ability to obtain a secret clearance

• U.S Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical knowledge in polymers, adhesives, and thermal protection systems

• Familiarity with material obsolescence and vendor process change evaluation and qualification

• Knowledge of M&P engineering design, R&D, analysis, test, and manufacturing processes

• Previous team leadership experience, and hands-on design and/or analysis

• Experience with NASA, commercial and strategic programs and configuration management requirements

Additional Requirements:

• Successful candidate must be able to pass a background check for the Federal Safe Explosives Act (SEA)

Position Benefits

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman Space Systems, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

• 401k

• Educational Assistance

• Life Insurance

• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

• Paid Time Off

• Health & Wellness Resources

• Employee Discounts 

This position’s standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

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 all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.