Engineer or Principal Engineer Material & Process - HGT

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 83,400 - 155,400; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in El Segundo, CA is seeking a detailed, hands-on professional to support engineering material qualification, composite analysis, and NDI activities for aerospace programs. The role requires active U.S.

government clearance and provides opportunities to collaborate across M&P teams and supplier sites. Responsibilities include qualifying materials, analyzing failures, and maintaining engineering records while coordinating with cross-functional teams and program management.

Qualifications

• Active in-scope U.S. Government Secret Clearance within 6 years and ability to obtain Program Special Access.
• U.S. citizenship is required for all government clearance positions.
• Engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on exposure to adhesives and epoxies, composite lamination processes, and common material testing methods.
• Experience with PMG sample preparation and basic lab techniques (cutting, polishing, and photomicroscopy).
• Ability to work in both R&D and production settings.

Responsibilities

• Define engineering requirements for parts, materials, processes, and manufacturing technologies used in product design and manufacturing.
• Qualify new materials, parts, and processes to meet requirements and manage test and audit programs.
• Collaborate with M&P teams at other Northrop sites on complex structural and composite issues.
• Perform analyses to characterize performance or determine causes of tool, material, part, or process failures and recommend corrective actions for senior review.
• Coordinate and support laboratory NDI activity and compile data for review.
• Use project management practices to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements for assigned tasks.
• Support creation and revision of material/process specifications, work instructions, SOPs, and test plans; ensure alignment with Northrop Grumman and industry requirements.
• Assist with test execution and troubleshooting in a laboratory environment.
• Support lengthy and complex multi-year investigations of environmental effects on composite materials.
• Maintain engineering records (test reports, engineering orders).
• Communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites, test facilities, and other Northrop Grumman locations may be required.
• Compile technical data and produce summary reports and technical briefings; participate in briefings to engineering management.
• Support proposal activity for both NCTA and CRAD and program opportunities.

Skills

Aerospace industry experience

Materials testing methods

PMG sample preparation

Lab techniques

Clearance process knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM with no years of experience

Ph.D. in STEM with no experience

Job description

Security Clearance and Relocation

Relocation assistance may be available. A Secret clearance is required at the start of the position. Travel up to 10% of the time may be required.

Location

El Segundo, CA. Full‑time onsite work is required.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support definition of engineering requirements to develop, select, or recommend parts, materials, processes, and manufacturing technologies used in product design and manufacturing in accordance with contractual and regulatory obligations.
• Qualify new materials (adhesives, epoxies, coatings), parts, and processes to meet requirements and manage test and audit programs to qualify suppliers.
• Collaborate with M&P teams at other Northrop sites on complex structural and composite issues.
• Perform analyses to characterize performance or determine causes of tool, material, part, or process failures and recommend corrective actions for senior review.
• Coordinate and support laboratory NDI (Non‑Destructive Inspection) activity and compile data for review.
• Use project management practices to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements for assigned tasks.
• Support creation and revision of material/process specifications, work instructions, SOPs, and test plans; ensure alignment with Northrop Grumman and industry requirements.
• Assist with test execution and troubleshooting in a laboratory environment.
• Support lengthy and complex multi‑year investigations of environmental effects on composite materials.
• Maintain engineering records (test reports, engineering orders).
• Communicate technical findings clearly to cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Frequent interaction with technical leads, M&P composite laboratories, and testing laboratories.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites, test facilities, and other Northrop Grumman locations may be required.
• Compile technical data and produce summary reports and technical briefings; participate in briefings to engineering management.
• Support proposal activity for both NCTA and CRAD and program opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with Northrop Grumman security, health, and safety policies.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree in STEM with no years of experience.
• For Principal M&P Engineer: Bachelor’s in STEM and at least 5 years of relevant experience; Master’s in STEM with 3 years of experience; or Ph.D. in STEM with no experience.
• Engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability manufacturing environments.
• Practical knowledge of adhesives and epoxies, composite lamination processes, and common material testing methods.
• Hands‑on exposure to PMG sample preparation and basic lab techniques (cutting, polishing, and photomicroscopy).
• Active in‑scope (within 6 years) U.S. Government Secret Clearance and ability to obtain Program Special access.
• U.S. citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or polymer engineering.
• Ph.D. in material science or materials engineering.
• Strong desire to mentor and grow employees.
• Advanced knowledge of composite materials used in aerospace applications.
• Knowledge of physical and mechanical properties for composites, including familiarity with CMH‑17, fatigue testing, fracture toughness, NDI, and allowables generation.
• Detailed knowledge of composite manufacturing processes and standards.
• Hands‑on experience in a high‑production manufacturing environment.
• Experience with technical review of materials processing and understanding of process variable impact on material performance.
• Ability to work in both R&D and production settings.
• Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy, entrepreneurial environment under tight timelines and aggressive schedules.
• Effective written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Capable of interacting with and conveying concepts at all levels of the organization.

Salary and Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 – $125,200.00.
Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 – $155,400.00.
Base salary may be adjusted based on scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and in some cases long‑term incentives. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, mandatory holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business.

EEO Statement

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 complete EEO and pay transparency information, visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.