Engineer Material Process

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.

An organization within Northrop Grumman Space Systems’ Payload and Ground Systems (PGS) division, SYNOPTICS is the world-wide leader in the growth, fabrication, and coating of crystalline materials used in laser systems. These “solid-state” laser crystals are used in products ranging from medical lasers to military laser systems. The Charlotte facility has been operating for over 40 years in the laser industry and has developed the reputation of providing the highest quality products with timely deliveries. Within the facility, solid-state oxide and fluoride crystals are grown from a high-temperature melt. SYNOPTICS has full optical fabrication capabilities for various plano and spherical geometries. SYNOPTICS serves the photonics and optics industry across the globe. 

  

Learn more about SYNOPTICS at our website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/synoptics/. 

This R&D engineering position will primarily develop crystal growth processes for materials new to SYNOPTICS. The engineer will be required to work with manufacturing personnel to develop, improve, document, and transition new processes to manufacturing. The position will also require developing a thorough understanding of the current crystal growth techniques at SYNOPTICS. Some sustaining engineering duties will be assigned in which the engineer will be responsible for an established growth process including data collection, process control, designed experiments, process documentation, and operator training. Written documentation will be required for new processes and process improvements. Will be expected to participate in process improvement projects as a team member or lead and technical training for manufacturing employees (training may require some shift flexibility on a limited basis). The engineer will also be expected to participate in developing new business opportunities which may include responding to government solicitations and attending/presenting at technical conferences.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor of Science degree within a STEM discipline; 0 years of relevant experience with a Masters' degree. 

• A strong grasp of engineering principles.

• Must be a self-starter and have excellent analytical skills as well as good verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• STEM Master's degree within a STEM field preferred.

• STEM PhD within a STEM field preferred

• Up to three years of hands-on experience in Engineering practices is preferred (this can include post-graduate work)

• Crystal growth or materials processing or synthesis experience with specific knowledge of solidification principles, intrinsic growth defect formation, understanding phase diagrams, and solid-liquid chemistry of oxide systems is advantageous.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques is beneficial.

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Salary Range: $77,100 USD - $115,700 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.