2026 Principal Research Scientist - Promontory UT

0903 SP - Propulsion Systems; United States; On-site; USD 98,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Research Scientist to join the Propulsion Engineering team in Promontory, UT. The role focuses on developing and evaluating materials for solid propulsion systems, leading projects from concept to publication, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.

The position requires a PhD in a relevant field and the ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance. Relocation assistance may be available and 10% travel is required.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science is required.
• Experience with energetic materials and propulsion systems is preferred.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement methods for processing and handling energetic materials.
• Evaluate materials for solid propulsion system applications.
• Lead independent research projects from conception to completion.

Skills

PhD in Chemistry

Security clearance

Energetic materials

Education

PhD from accredited institution

Tools

DSC

TGA

DMA

Spectroscopy

Chromatography

Microscopy

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: None TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time 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. Northrop Grumman is a space pioneer, supporting government, civil and commercial customers in solving their biggest challenges. Our forward-leaning, innovative spirit is backed by a legacy of expertise that began at the dawn of the space age. Our mission experience in space runs deep, we know our customers well, and our capabilities are unmatched. This is what allows us to provide reliable, agile and affordable space solutions to best serve our customers. From defending freedom to advancing human discovery, we are defining what is possible in space every day. Entry Level opportunities at Northrop Grumman are unique. Are you interested in boosting your knowledge through experience and exposure, while supporting a mission that seeks to protect our nation and its allies? If so, then Northrop Grumman is the place you! Our professionals live and breathe different perspectives; we are curious about the world, accepting each other, and aware that the more ideas, backgrounds, opinions and experiences we bring to our work, the stronger that work will be. Just as you would invest your time and hard work into our company, we focus on investing back into you through enriching professional experiences and high-quality learning and development opportunities. We want you to bring your whole self to work, and for you to have meaningful connections with your coworkers, customers and communities, while providing the best products, systems and technologies to protect our world.

Northrop Grumman is seeking Principal Research Scientists. This position will be located at our Space sector in Promontory, UT. The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Propulsion Engineering team of Chemists and Material Scientists.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative methods and solutions for processing and safe handling of volatile, energetic and rapidly reacting materials.
• Evaluate and test new materials and formulations for application within solid propulsion systems across R&D and sustainment lifecycles.
• Assess material constituents and their susceptibility to degrading environments that can deteriorate propulsion systems performance Evaluate material compatibility with solid propulsion systems, components and other products.
• Lead and conduct independent research projects from conception to completion, utilizing advanced experimental methodologies and techniques.
• Design, execute, and analyze complex experiments, interpreting results and drawing sound scientific conclusions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (propulsion, systems, structures, manufacturing, quality) to apply energetic materials expertise to new products and technologies.
• Prepare and present research findings through lab notebooks, technical reports, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders; advance results towards publications and patentable innovations for Northrop Grumman as appropriate.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of research programs and technology roadmaps for materials used in propulsion systems and propulsion systems products.
• Develop and refine specifications and quality standards necessary to support products and technologies of solid propulsion systems including surveillance, aging and sustainment activities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Be completing or has completed their PhD from an accredited institution
• Be majoring in or having majored in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science Engineering
• Be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre‑requisite)
• The ability to obtain Special Access Program within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctoral research focus in high temperature materials, analytical chemistry, polymers, carbon composites, coatings, energetic materials, explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, or reactive composites, including synthesis, formulation, or processing.
• Hands‑on experience with characterization of energetic or polymeric materials, such as DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, spectroscopy, chromatography, and/or microscopy.
• Experience with material aging, life prediction, or compatibility testing relevant to solid propulsion or similar high‑consequence systems.
• Demonstrated experience with safe handling of energetic/explosive materials in laboratory or pilot‑scale environments, including adherence to rigorous safety and hazard‑control practices.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and/or patents in relevant technical areas.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary teams and communicating complex technical results to diverse audiences.

Salary Range:

Salary Range: $98,400 to $147,600 campusjobs Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 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.

Existing Applicants:

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We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.