Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Research/Principal Research Engineer Level 2/3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Clearfield, UT. Our Research team works to support process development and automation of composite aerospace structures. We engineer the latest composite structures for military/commercial aircraft and launch structures and are leaders in next-generation composite development. We operate as principal investigators over Internal Research and Development (IRAD), Process Service (PS), and Customer Research and Development (CRAD) projects and production support, with responsible technical development as well as management of schedules and budgets. Would you like to work on the cutting edge of aerospace? Come join our team!
This specific role will require the capacity for high level understanding of composite materials including advanced resin systems, fiber reinforcements, prepregs, film adhesives, surface science, bond preparation, part bagging, autoclave/oven curing and general material science. Expected to work collaboratively with a research and development team across the site and sector for new composite manufacturing related innovations and troubleshooting of current processes. High competence with diagnostic and analytical techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology and SEM is also very desirable.
We work 9/80 work week, which gives us every other Friday off to pursue passions outside the office. Travel varies with each project, but typically for a Principal/Sr. Principal Engineer will travel 10%, and primarily within the continental US. We work with our team to try and allocate travel responsibilities to those who are able and enjoy travel. Northrop Grumman offers a full suite of benefits to our employees.
Responsibilities:
- Develop processes and optimize material solutions for pilot scale fabrication of complex composite materials. Plan and execute the transition to production scale manufacturing and assist in defining equipment and floor plan needs.
- Develop new material systems that are amenable to additive manufacturing, fiber placement and other automated composite fabrication techniques.
- Solve technical issues using root cause methodologies based on underlying scientific principals and an understanding of chemical processes
- Identify and develop technical solutions that meet IRAD and Process Service project goals
- Provide technical decisions and recommendations based on data and project outcomes
- Lead development efforts to reduce cost, increase process efficiency, and ensure consistent quality in support of current and future programs
- Work with internal and external partners to champion and ensure success of R&D projects
- Act as principal investigator on selected new proposals and projects
- Manage execution of the project requirements to cost and schedule objectives
- Foster an environment of cooperation and teamwork within the Process and Technology Development team
This role may be filled at a Research/Principal Research & Development Engineer level 2/3 depending on the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
Research Engineer Level 2:
- Bachelor’s Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 1 years of engineering experience or Masters in a STEM field and 0 years of engineering experience
- Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)
Principal Research Engineer Level 3:
- Bachelor’s Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 4 years of engineering experience; or Masters in a STEM field with 3 years of engineering experience; OR PhD in STEM with 4 years of experience
- Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Aerospace composite machining methods
- Active U.S Government Clearance
- Proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Statistical analysis methods
- Ability to author, modify and audit work procedures
Skills Required
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in STEM with required years of experience depending on level (Level 2: Bachelors+1 year or Masters+0; Level 3: Bachelors+4 years or Masters+3 years or PhD+4 years)
- Material and process engineering experience in composite materials
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)
- High-level understanding of composite materials (advanced resin systems, fiber reinforcements, prepregs, film adhesives, surface science, bond preparation, part bagging) and autoclave/oven curing processes
- Experience developing processes for pilot scale fabrication and transitioning to production-scale manufacturing
- Competence with diagnostic and analytical techniques (FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, SEM)
- Experience with root cause methodologies and statistical analysis for process troubleshooting
- Ability to author, modify, and audit work procedures; proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- Active U.S. Government Clearance
- Aerospace composite machining methods
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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