Principal​/Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer

Relocation assistance may be available.

Clearance required for start:
Yes. Clearance type:
Secret.

Travel:
Yes, 10% of the time.

At Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems, we have an opening for a Materials and Process Engineer in Palmdale, CA. This position can be filled at the Principal Engineer Material Process or Senior Principal Engineer Material Process level.

• Define, develop, implement, and transition new materials, processes, and technology solutions to support the assembly line, increasing efficiency, reducing cost, and improving quality.
• Support the implementation and streamlining of various production applications including composites fabrication, bonding, liquid shim, part/assembly installation, coatings, and more.
• Develop test plans, standard repairs, and evaluate materials and process performance to verify efficiency.
• Analyze, research, and develop materials and application processes for engineering design of structures, systems, and subsystems.
• Apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to investigate material issues and provide solutions.
• Support production teams, identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to meet F35 contractual obligations (technical, schedule, cost) and maintain product quality.
• Apply knowledge of integral fuel tank sealing, bonding with adhesives, primer/topcoat application, fairing compounds, fastener fillers, composite rework/repair, material review board, manufacturing execution system, manufacturing plan review, requests for information or change from suppliers, and design support.
• Utilize tools such as PDM, JDL, EMAP, Catia, and VAS for investigations.
• Interface with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and executive management.
• Handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic, fast‑paced work environment.
• Exercise project management skills to scope, execute assigned work, and manage project efforts.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant engineering experience OR Master’s Degree with 3 years OR PhD with 1 year.
• 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 Master’s Degree with 6 years OR PhD with 4 years.
• 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/topcoat applications, and metallic structures.
• Experience with Supplier Management.
• Experience with low observable material, coating thickness verification, surface preparation, 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 Salary Range: $103,600 – $155,400.

Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300 – $193,300.

Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and potentially long‑term incentives. Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or 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. U.S. citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance.