Principal Materials Test Engineer

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 Marine Systems – Materials & Test Lab Engineering Group is seeking a Principal Materials Test Engineer to perform mechanical, metallurgical, and chemical testing to support development, and production efforts.  The position involves testing metallic and non-metallic materials and components to support surface ship and submarine propulsion, power generation, and launcher systems for the U.S. Navy.

The Materials Engineering & Materials Test Lab team consists of a dynamic and motivated group of engineers who support all of the programs on site.  The test lab regularly performs testing of metallic and non-metallic materials and components, as well as interact with design engineering to support development of new products.

We are seeking a Materials Test Engineer with knowledge and experience with mechanical testing and metallurgical analysis to industrial, military, or aerospace standards to join our team located in Sunnyvale, CA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs mechanical, chemical, and metallurgical tests in accordance with internal, military, or industrial specifications for materials and components

• Preparation of test samples by sectioning, mounting, grinding, polishing of specimens

• Hardness testing: Rockwell, Vickers, or Brinell

• Macro and microscopic photography

• Basic metallurgical testing: coating thickness, case depth, Intergranular Oxidation etc.

• Use of mechanical load frames to perform tensile, compression and shear testing

• Analyze, record and report results

• Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment

• Assist Operations and Engineering on various non-standard test/inspections as required

• Preparation and testing of bonded assemblies

• Chemical lab testing: chemical composition, viscosity, water content in oil, etc.

• Assist engineering in verification of properties relating to quality notifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar STEM degree.

• Minimum 5 years experience working in a materials test lab conducting mechanical or metallurgical testing.

• Extensive experience with mechanical tests such as, but not limited to, impact, tensile, compression, and shear testing to military and industry standards (e.g. ASTM)

• Foundational knowledge of metallurgical tests including sample preparation for microstructural analyses and various test methods such as, but not limited to, microhardness, chemical composition, case depth and grain structure determination

• Familiarity with basic machining tools such as band saw, horizontal lathe, and abrasive saw

• Experience with operating load frames from manufacturers such as MTS, Instron, or Tinius & Olsen

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in preparation and testing of lap shears to qualify adhesives and paints

• Experience with mentoring and training others in safety and equipment usage

• Knowledge and experience with mechanical testing of molded rubber assemblies

Salary Range: $92,200 USD - $138,400 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.