Research Scientist - 3 / 4

Northrop Grumman; Corinne (UT); On-site; USD 123,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Promontory, UT is seeking a Research Scientist – Level 3 or Level 4 to advance carbon phenolic and carbon‑carbon materials. You’ll design and research material properties, provide SME support to R&D and production, and help shape the technical roadmap for high‑temperature thermal protection and ablative materials.

This role emphasizes collaboration across multiple organizations, rigorous testing, and communication of complex concepts to non-technical audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering with 5 years of experience.
• Master’s degree in the same fields with 3 years of experience.
• PhD with 1 year of experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance.
• Experience with testing, development, and characterization of high-temperature materials.
• Written and oral communication skills and collaboration across organizations.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop current and future ablative materials to support nozzle design and production.
• Lead technical roadmap including selection and characterization of high-temperature and ablative materials.
• Design and develop subscale components, test specimens, and fixtures.
• Develop manufacturing processes with novel thermal protection and ablative materials.
• Present data and recommendations to internal and external customers.
• Lead or support failure investigations.
• Coordinate and schedule work across multiple NG locations.
• Review and author material and production specifications.

Skills

Materials research

High temperature materials

Technical roadmap

Cross-functional work

Laboratory testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Chem/MatSci/Engineering)

Master’s degree (Chem/MatSci/Engineering)

PhD (Chem/MatSci/Engineering)

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.

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Research Scientist – Level 3 or Level 4 located in Promontory, UT, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

The Sr Principal Research Scientist should have a fundamental understanding of carbon materials and processes. They would be responsible for designing and researching basic material properties for existing and future carbon phenolic and carbon‑carbon materials. Other responsibilities include providing subject matter expertise to R&D and production organizations. Candidate should be willing to challenge status‑quo, conventions and assumptions while providing technical expertise on a variety of material issues, including material selection, supply chain support, failure investigation, and production/facilities support. This person will lead and develop a technical roadmap including selection, characterization, and development of high temperature thermal protection and ablative materials and processes. This position is focused but not limited to supporting research and development of phenolic ablative materials for nozzle configurations as well as high temperature ablative carbon materials for nozzle and re‑entry body applications.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Research and develop both current and future ablative materials to support nozzle design and production
• Lead and develop technical roadmap including selection and characterization of novel high temperature & ablative materials such as carbon cloth phenolic and carbon‑carbon materials
• Design and develop subscale components, test specimens, and fixtures
• Develop manufacturing processes with novel thermal protection & ablative materials
• Presentation of data and recommendations to internal and external customers
• Lead or support failure investigations
• Support production, design and research with carbon phenolic material issues for a variety of programs and NG locations
• Author instruction for execution of fabrication, assembly, and testing of materials
• Review and author material and production specifications
• Coordinate and schedule work through multiple organizations
• Other duties as assigned

Why you? You’re the candidate we’re searching for if you are ready to achieve the impossible alongside like‑minded innovators.

This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or other related field with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or other related field with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or other related field with 1 year of professional experience.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
• Experience with testing, selection, development, and characterization of high temperature materials
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and experience conducting experiments
• Previous lab experience and experience with completing experiments
• Written and oral communication skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to convey technical concepts to a non‑technical audience
• Excellent ability to work across multiple organizations and levels within those organizations

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or other related field with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or other related field with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering, or other related field with 4 years of professional experience.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
• Experience with testing, selection, development, and characterization of high temperature materialsDemonstrated knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and experience conducting experiments
• Previous lab experience and experience with completing experiments
• Written and oral communication skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Ability to convey technical concepts to a non‑technical audience
• Excellent ability to work across multiple organizations and levels within those organizations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of nozzle designs and fabrication methods
• Knowledge of hypersonics thermal protection design and fabrication methods
• Experience with phenolic and carbon‑based product manufacturing
• Experience with aerospace materials and processing specifications
• Demonstrated modeling and drawing experience
• General understanding of classical lamination theory and anisotropic materials
• Knowledge of GD&T
• Advanced degree preferred
• Knowledge of 2D and 3D carbon‑carbon

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00

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.