Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Research/Principal Research Engineer Level 2/3 to join their team in Clearfield, UT, focusing on the development and automation of composite aerospace structures for military and commercial aircraft. This role involves developing processes and optimizing material solutions for pilot-scale fabrication, transitioning these to production scale, and managing project requirements to cost and schedule objectives. The ideal candidate will have expertise in composite materials, including advanced resin systems and fiber reinforcements, and proficiency with diagnostic techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, and SEM. They should also be adept at solving technical issues using root cause methodologies and collaborating with internal and external partners to ensure the success of R&D projects. The position requires a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field along with relevant experience, and candidates must have the ability to obtain Special Program Access (PAR).
Develop processes and optimize material solutions for pilot scale fabrication of complex composite materials.
Solve technical issues using root cause methodologies based on underlying scientific principles.
Identify and develop technical solutions that meet IRAD and Process Service project goals.
Lead development efforts to reduce cost, increase process efficiency, and ensure consistent quality.
Act as principal investigator on selected new proposals and projects.
Manage execution of project requirements to cost and schedule objectives.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s Degree in STEM field with 1-4 years of composite material engineering experience
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) clearance
Experience developing processes for pilot scale fabrication of complex composite materials
Proficiency in diagnostic techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, and SEM
Capability to lead development efforts to reduce costs and increase process efficiency
Expertise in solving technical issues using root cause methodologies based on scientific principles
Experience working collaboratively with internal and external partners on R&D projects
Market check
Salary context
This
$98,400–$147,600
range sits above
4%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$117,547–$225,000
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$150,325–$214,500
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company providing systems in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics. Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Northrop Grumman currently has
173 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$113,900–$170,950
across 168 roles with salary data.