Principal Research Scientist – Optics & Design Science

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.

Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) is an industry-leading provider for prime satellite and payload capabilities and directed energy and electronics solutions for national security, military, and civil customers. We are built on a heritage of providing innovative, affordable and reliable aerospace and defense products that our customers rely on to achieve mission success. Join the Space revolution and make the impossible, possible.

Strategic Space Systems Division (SSSD) Research & Technology is seeking a Principal Research Scientist - Advanced Materials & Devices, reporting to the Research & Advanced Mission Solutions Department.  This position will be located in Manhattan Beach, CA. 

Research scientists’ responsibilities include the planning, prioritization, and execution of foundational research to advance the frontier of discovery in aerospace science and technology.  Science staff are called upon to act as research principal investigators, as well as to support their peers through mutual collaboration on multidisciplinary projects and to transition emerging research into applied technology development.

In this role you will:

• Develop and implement new technologies in a rapid prototype development laboratory environment supporting various space, aircraft, and missile systems

• Act as a subject matter expert in a field of study related to Advanced Materials & Devices, and have general knowledge of related disciplines.

• Perform impactful original research with a significant degree of autonomy, and communicate results in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences

• Create and leverage strategic collaborations with partner organizations such as universities, consortia, industrial suppliers, and national labs

• Collaborate with peers on major research thrusts and multidisciplinary projects, with the flexibility to take on diverse roles such as contributor, consulting expert, and principal investigator

• Generate intellectual property and transition emerging research into technological discriminators for NG Space, enabling breakthrough capabilities for USG missions

• Under consultation with the Advanced Materials & Devices Principal Investigators, develop and communicate a multi-year vision for research and technology, with regular analysis of alternative courses of action and risk/reward scenarios

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field from an accredited university with at least 2 years of work experience in field

• Experience as a researcher in Advanced Materials & Devices or closely related discipline

• Strong analytical and problem solving ability

• Ability to obtain DoD Top Secret or SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry, or closely related field from an accredited university

• Proficiency in team leadership, communication skills, and cost & schedule management

• Experience as a researcher in topics such as: nanotechnology for aerospace, nanophotonics & plasmonics, optical metasurfaces/metaoptics, integrated photonics, or RF electronics.

• Experience in simulation, design and optimization of nanophotonic devices, particularly with full wave E&M tools and AI/ML techniques

• Active, in-scope DoD Top Secret or SCI security clearance

Salary Range: $101,400 USD - $152,200 USD

Employees may be eligible for 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 health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.