Staff Research Scientist

Posted 20 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Elkton, MD, USA
In-Office
169K-254K Annually
Expert/Leader
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Leads basic and applied scientific research projects, including defining research tasks, investigating product and invention feasibility, analyzing data, publishing findings, presenting at conferences, and contributing to patent applications. Coordinates research efforts across departments and maintains expertise in state-of-the-art scientific principles. The role focuses on solid propellants, energetics, polymers, and polymer processing within aerospace and defense programs.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman is in need of a Staff Research Scientist to work at its Elkton, Maryland facility. 

Northrop Grumman Propulsion Systems and Controls (PS&C) facility in Elkton, Maryland began solid-propellant rocket operations in 1948. Today, the Elkton PS&C facility designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems in programs professionally managed for a wide variety of Government and commercial customers. The facility also serves as the hub for offsite engineering and test facilities in Ronkonkoma, NY and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

Elkton, Maryland is located on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Discover charming small towns, parks with miles of trails, specialty and antique shops, award winning restaurants, and inns.  You can hike, bike, camp, bird watch, ride horseback, or drop a fishing line.  Five rivers, Chesapeake Bay and the C&D Canal can be explored by boat or by land. Experience panoramic views from Turkey Point Lighthouse on a bluff overlooking the Bay, or from the banks of the C&D Canal where ships from around the globe cruise. https://www.ccgov.org/government/tourism

The Sr Principal Research Scientist initiates the design, development, execution and implementation of technology research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions and products. Responsibilities include: defining and executing research tasks, analyzing data, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting research at scientific conferences. Capable of defining research projects for their projects with assistance from management with a focus on answering fundamental questions in basic science. Plans and executes applied research. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories, and may contribute to scientific literature and conferences. May participate in development of patent applications. May coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts.

Basic qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelors degree in STEM studies and at least 12 years of experience. Will consider those with a Masters degree and at least 10 years of experience or those with a PhD and at least 8 years of experience.
  • Ability to advance and prioritize multiple projects concurrently
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret clearance, which US citizenship is a pre-requisite

Preferred qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred
  • Experience with solid propellants or energetics
  • Working knowledge of polymers and polymer processing, such as viscosity, stress/strain relationships and other concepts
  • Active secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM and at least 12 years of experience, or master's degree and at least 10 years, or PhD and at least 8 years
  • Ability to advance and prioritize multiple projects concurrently
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Advanced degree such as an MS or PhD
  • Experience with solid propellants or energetics
  • Working knowledge of polymers and polymer processing, including viscosity and stress-strain relationships
  • Active Secret security clearance

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.

  • Healthcare Strength Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
  • Retirement Support The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.

Northrop Grumman Insights

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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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