Description

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 Principal / Sr. Principal Research Scientist - Levels 3-4 located in Promontory, UT, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

The Principal / Sr. Principal Research Scientist will work in a research and development analytical laboratory and is responsible for executing strong research and problem-solving capability in an R&D and production support organization. This individual will provide technical expertise and consultation on a variety of chemistry and materials science issues, with a focus on chromatography and spectrometry. This person will be responsible for communicating the chemistry and behavior of materials to internal and external customers, recommending appropriate analytical approaches to answer a wide range of technical questions, and collaborating with a team of scientists to identify the best ways to support customers and programs. Experience with ICP spectrometry (e.g., ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS) is strongly desired.

This position may work a 9/80 or 4/10 schedule, with every other Friday off for 9/80 schedules.

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

• Serve as a chromatography/spectrometry subject-matter expert for an R&D analytical laboratory
• Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods using chromatographic and spectrometric techniques, including ICP spectrometry
• Troubleshoot analytical instruments and methods to ensure high-quality, reliable data
• Apply a deep understanding of chemistry to interpret data and solve complex materials and process problems
• Perform a combination of research-oriented studies and routine analytical testing to support development and production programs
• Communicate complex chemistry and analytical results in a clear, concise manner to technical and non-technical customers
• Prepare and present data, conclusions, and recommendations to internal and external customers
• Review and critique scientific reports, test plans, and technical documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Coordinate and schedule analytical work through multiple organizations and laboratories

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 - Principal Research Scientist (T3):

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other closely related field with 5 years of professional experience - OR - Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of professional experience 
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance 
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and experience conducting experiments in an analytical laboratory environment 
• Hands-on experience with chromatography and/or spectrometry instrumentation and data analysis (ICP experience strongly preferred)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain analytical results and underlying chemistry to diverse stakeholders

Basic Qualifications - Sr. Principal Research Scientist (T4):

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other closely related field with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience 
• Strong background in chemistry with demonstrated experience applying analytical techniques to solve complex technical problems
• Demonstrated experience leading analytical investigations, method development, or cross-functional technical efforts
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance 
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and experience conducting experiments in an analytical laboratory environment 
• Hands-on experience with chromatography and/or spectrometry instrumentation and data analysis (ICP experience strongly preferred)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain analytical results and underlying chemistry to diverse stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with energetic material testing or analysis
• Advanced degree in Chemistry or a closely related field
• Deep understanding of chromatography (e.g., HPLC, GC) and spectrometry (e.g., ICP, mass spectrometry)
• FTIR experience is a plus
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instruments and associated software
• Experience reviewing and authoring scientific reports and technical documentation