R&D Manager, Energetics & Materials (On-Site WV)

Northrop Grumman; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 139,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Rocket Center, WV seeks a Manager Research Development 2 to lead a team of approximately 10-12 research scientists in energetic materials, propellants, and related chemistries. This on-site role requires strong leadership and project management skills.

You will mentor staff, manage resources and budgets, interface with customers, and contribute to proposal work, safety-first culture, and technical rigor on R&D programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related science field.
• 8 years of relevant experience with a BS degree; 6 years with an MS degree.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours or overtime when needed.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills including: project leadership, team building, mentoring, problem resolution, planning and allocation.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate with all levels and with internal and external customers.
• Understanding of polymer, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistries.
• Familiar with design of experiments and analysis of data using statistics.
• Proficiency in MS Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Able to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Manage department resources (personnel and financial) with prioritization of activities.
• Mentor and develop research scientists on technical projects.
• Provide guidance, direction, and performance feedback.
• Coach and motivate to maintain a high-performing team.
• Promote innovation and safety-focused culture.
• Review work products for technical rigor and quality.
• Assure cost effectiveness and timely project completion.
• Interface with internal and external customers.
• Perform technical planning, cost estimation and proposal support for new business captures.
• Coordinate and implement strategic initiatives within the department.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Project planning

Cost estimation

Interpersonal problems

Relationship building

Secret clearance eligibility

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Job description

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems in Rocket Center, WV seeks a Manager Research Development 2 to lead a team of approximately 10-12 research scientists in energetic materials, propellants, and related chemistries. This on-site role requires strong leadership and project management skills.

You will mentor staff, manage resources and budgets, interface with customers, and contribute to proposal work, safety-first culture, and technical rigor on R&D programs.