Principal​/Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance required for start:
Yes
Clearance type:
Secret

Travel:
Yes, 10% of the time.

Materials and Process Engineer

Palmdale, CA

As a member of the Palmdale M&P team, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new materials, processes, and technology solutions to support the assembly line to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality. The M&P team supports the implementation and streamlining of various production applications including, but not limited to, composites fabrication, bonding, liquid shim, part/assembly installation, coatings, and more.

The role requires supporting the development of test plans, standard repairs, and evaluation of performance of materials and processes to verify efficiency. The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing, researching, and developing materials and related application processes for use in engineering design and/or application in structures, systems, and subsystems. You will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to investigate material issues and provide solutions.

Additionally, you will support production teams to identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure F35 contractual obligations (technical, schedule, and cost) are met and product quality is maintained. The role will entail knowledge of integral fuel tank sealing, bonding with various adhesives, application of primer and topcoat, fairing compounds, fastener fillers, composite rework and repair, material review board, manufacturing execution system, manufacturing plan review, requests for information or change from suppliers, and design support.

Tools to be utilized include PDM, JDL, EMAP, Catia, and VAS.

This role involves interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and executive management. It requires the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced environment, with project management skills to scope, execute, and manage project efforts.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant engineering experience; or a Master’s Degree with 3 years of experience; or a PhD with 1 year of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with material testing and material qualification.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/SAR).

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant engineering experience; or a Master’s Degree with 6 years of experience; or a PhD with 4 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience with material testing and material qualification.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/SAR).

• Experience with film adhesives, carbon fiber, BMI, sealing aircraft components, primer and topcoat applications, and metallic structures.
• Experience with Supplier Management.
• Experience with low observable material, coating thickness verification, surface preparation, and material reactivation, fairing compounds, and fastener fillers.
• New material integration and interface with production personnel.
• Government and customer interface experience.
• Root cause investigation and corrective action implementation.

Primary Level: $103,600 – $155,400 per year.
Secondary Level: $129,300 – $193,300 per year.

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and long‑term incentives. Comprehensive benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, paid time off for vacation and personal business.

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  U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.