Associate 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/. 

Job Duties:

Function as process owner preparing, monitoring and analyzing crystal growth. Oversight of process data and daily activities for stations. Work in collaboration with operating team to enhance the integrity of crystal growth furnace and equipment readiness/reliability. Perform data collection, process control, designed process improvement tests, process documentation and technician training. Improve/optimize/standardize crystal growth process and documentation.  Report/communicate crystal growth status with downstream departments and management team. Analyze and report failure mode for substandard runs to incorporate new learnings and recommend/implement corrective actions. Perform hands-on work and collaborate with technicians in trouble-shooting process and equipment issues.

Master current crystal growth processes and procedures, evaluate existing crystal growth methods, processes, and sequences to optimize operation efficiency including raw material processing, crystal growth control variables, process flow, and crystal growth equipment. Lead projects with lean  manufacturing concepts and other problem solving methods to improve metrics such as yield and productivity. Analyze data in a scientific manner and report progress/issues/deliverables. Work collaboratively with technicians and peer engineers to manage change to functionality for improved reliability, control, automation and safety. 

Basic Qualifications:

BS Material Science and Engineering, Physics, or Mechanical engineering is required. Crystal growth manufacturing experience is desired. Advanced degrees (MS/PhD) is preferred. A familiarity with electro-mechanical control systems, PID controls and loops, motors, motor drives is preferred. Ability to use CAD, power user for MS Excel, and familiarity to SQL are preferred.  A familiarity with materials science/ceramics processing is desired and the ability to understand technical documents and drawings are needed.

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Salary Range: $60,900 USD - $91,300 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.