Principal Metrology Engineer

Elbit Systems of America, LLC; Roanoke, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Elbit Systems of America, LLC is seeking a Principal Metrology Engineer to lead advanced surface-characterization efforts. You will develop and operate high‑precision measurement protocols across XPS, SEM, AFM, Auger, LEED, and RHEED, interpreting data to drive materials development and process optimization.

The role requires deep expertise in surface science and the ability to guide multidisciplinary teams in R&D, product development, and manufacturing, delivering rigorous analyses and clear

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with substantial hands-on metrology experience.
• Expertise in high-precision surface analysis methods.
• Strong data interpretation and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and develop measurement protocols for XPS, SEM, AFM, Auger, LEED, and RHEED.
• Design experiments to characterize surfaces, coatings, interfaces, and films.
• Analyze complex data and apply quantitative methods for insights.
• Interpret results with surface science principles.
• Troubleshoot instruments and ensure measurement quality and repeatability.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration across R&D, product development, and manufacturing.
• Document methods and results for internal and external stakeholders.
• Improve analytical workflows and data analysis pipelines.

Skills

XPS

SEM

AFM

Auger spectroscopy

LEED/RHEED

data analysis

problem solving

documentation

Education

PhD in Materials Science/chemistry/physics

MS with 5+ years experience

BS with 8+ years experience

Job description

Summary:

The Principal Metrology Engineer will serve as a technical lead and expert in advanced surface‑characterization methods, responsible for developing, operating, and interpreting measurements from a suite of high‑precision analytical tools. This role supports materials development, process optimization, and fundamental surface‑science research across multiple programs.

Responsibilities:

• Operate, maintain, and develop measurement protocols for XPS, SEM, AFM, Auger spectroscopy, LEED, and RHEED and others.
• Design and execute detailed surface analysis experiments to characterize materials, coatings, interfaces, and thin films.
• Analyze complex data sets and apply advanced quantitative methods to extract meaningful physical and chemical insights.
• Interpret results with a deep understanding of surface science, surface chemistry, and materials science principles.
• Troubleshoot instrumentation issues, coordinate maintenance, and ensure high measurement quality and repeatability.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to lead and influence across engineering and collaborate with cross functional teams in R&D, product development, and manufacturing to support material investigations and root cause analysis.
• Document methods, results, and interpretations clearly for internal stakeholders and external partners when required.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of analytical workflows, data analysis pipelines, and experimental methodology.
• Define calibration standards, metrology capability roadmaps, and long‑term measurement system improvement plans.
• Evaluate, select, and qualify new metrology equipment, technologies, and software systems.

Qualifications:

• PhD in a related field (such as Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a similar discipline), or MS degree with 5+ years of relevant experience, or BS degree with 8+ years of relevant experience.

Required Experience and Skills:

• Hands on proficiency with XPS, SEM, AFM, Auger spectroscopy, SEM, UPS, and LEED/RHEED.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and advanced interpretation of surface analysis results.
• Knowledge of surface science, surface chemistry, or materials science.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent problem solving, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, or other high precision, regulated industries.
• Background in automated inspection systems, robotic metrology, or digital thread/Model-Based Definition environments.
• Experience leading metrology capability development or technology road mapping.
• Lean/continuous improvement certification (e.g., Six Sigma Green Belt or higher).