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Engineer or Principal Engineer Material & Process

Northrop Grumman
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El Segundo, CA, USA
Sep 21, 2026
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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 Aerospace Systems has an opening for an Engineer Material & Process or Principal Engineer Material & Process to join our team of qualified diverse individuals.

This position will be located in El Segundo, CA.

A Material & Process Engineer (T02/T03) researches, analyzes, and tests materials and their related fabrication and application processes to develop and optimize materials for use in engineering design of and/or application in aeronautical structures, systems and subsystems.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support the Structural Certification Development (SCD) team in developing and executing Engineering Building Block (EBB) composite and adhesively bonded structure test programs.  Apply principles of chemistry, physics, and mechanics of materials to design and execute test programs, from fabrication of test specimens to post-testing failure analysis and data reduction of mechanical results to report results and key findings to stakeholders.

  • Support in developing Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) composite reference standards to aid program production NDI inspections.  This role works closely with Design, Program Manufacturing and Quality to ensure materials, processes, and designs closely match program production bonded joints and interfaces.  This includes reviewing engineering drawings and shop aids, writing fabrication work plans for composite and bonded structures, overseeing fabrication in labs, and coordinating QA inspections (NDI, visual inspections, cross-sectional photomicrographic (PMG) analysis).    

  • Support materials and process development, characterization, and qualification for composite laminates, sandwich structures and adhesively bonded assemblies.

  • Develop composite related materials and process specifications, design allowables and fabrication and assembly processes.

  • Performs failure analysis of components, systems and subsystems, life predictions, and prepares definition and requirement specifications. Reviews and approves subcontractor material processing procedures.

  • Coordinates with test laboratory by writing test plans, evaluating vendor material products, documenting test results, and producing test reports along with briefing materials for aerospace grade composite material systems.

  • Solves manufacturing problems and develops detailed M&P requirements from program requirements.

  • Performs project management activities including developing cost estimates and schedules, and tracking progress and cost. 

This position can be filled at either the Engineer (Level 2) or Principal Engineer level (Level 3.)

Basic Qualifications:

  • Basic qualifications for an Engineer Material & Process include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 2 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with no years of experience.

  • Basic qualifications for a Principal Engineer Material & Process include a Bachelor's in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Master's Degree in STEM with 3 years of relevant experience, or a PhD Degree with no experience.

  • Minimum 2 years of related experience in developing, characterizing composites, writing test plans/documenting test results and producing test reports and briefings.

  • Engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing environments

  • Experience with polymer matrix composites, secondary reinforcement materials, film adhesives, bonding processes and mechanical and physical property testing.

  • Familiarity with composite/bonded structure NDI methods (UT, thermography, radiography) and associated acceptance criteria.

  • Working knowledge of industry specifications and standards (ASTM, AMS) relevant to composites.

  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Design, Stress, Manufacturing, and Quality teams

  • This position requires a current in-scope US Government Secret Clearance

  • Must have the ability to obtain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. This SAP clearance must be obtained within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

  • Ability to work full-time onsite in El Segundo.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A Master’s Degree in Materials Science or Chemistry from an accredited university.

  • Aerospace & Defense Industry experience with an active US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance.

  • Familiarity with composite materials allowables and strength retention factor development.

  • Familiarity with NDI reference standard development and inspection technique correlation.

  • Experience in presenting technical results to leadership and external customers.

  • Experience authoring engineering reports/specifications.

  • Familiarity with material and process optimization methods for producibility initiatives.  Develop DOE test programs.

Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The 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.

Job ID

R10246821

Security Clearance

SECRET
About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines.

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