Principal/Sr. Principal Experimental SPM Physicist

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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace! Do you enjoy a culture where your voice is valued? Start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. Here at Northrop Grumman, we take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. As a company, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce and understand that our employees are at their best with a healthy work-life balance, both of which are examples of the many benefits of joining our team!

We are seeking an experimental scientist with a scanning probe microscopy (SPM) experimental background that has an interest in Scanning SQUID Microscopy (SSM), and/or cryogenic Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). The ideal candidate should have experience that includes some of the following:

• Prior experience with SPM, SSM, cryogenic STM, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) systems including building systems and/or day-to-day system operations and maintenance. 
• Background knowledge in experimental design, mechanical and electrical isolation, and/or materials R&D
• Python and/or MATLAB experience/knowledge or willingness to learn
• Analysis of resulting microscopy data
• Experience with standard microscopy instrumentation including lock-in amplifiers, piezoelectric scanners, and AC/DC sources

Successful candidates are:

• Excited about surface science such as superconductivity, topological insulators, Weyl semimetals, and 2D surface states.
• Willing to contribute to materials R&D discussions and cross-coordinate with other teams to identify, build, complete and measure the resulting experiments.
• Motivated to learn new technologies and technical skills
• Able to identify problems, analyze data, and course correct experimental plans
• Able to collaborate in a small group setting

This position will serve on-site in Linthicum/ Annapolis Junction, Maryland.

Your responsibilities:

• Be a collaborative member of a team solving interesting questions
• Assist in the day-to-day operations of equipment and equipment improvements.
• Be responsible for identifying improvements to procedures and hardware/electronics

This position can be filled at the Principal level OR Sr. Principal level.  Qualifications for both are listed below:

Basic Qualifications for Principal Experimental SPM Physicist:

• PhD in experimental physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field (or will complete by December 2023); Master's Degree and 3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with building and/or day-to-day maintenance of cryogenic scanning microscopy systems
• Experience with lock-in amplifiers, piezoelectric scanners, and/or current sources
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with CI/FS poly clearance per business requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Principal Experimental SPM Physicist:

• PhD in experimental physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Experience with analyzing cryogenic or room temperature scanning microscopy data
• Surface science background
• Experience writing and contributing to version-controlled code in Python or MATLAB.
• Active TS/SCI with CI/FS poly security clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Experimental SPM Physicist:

• PhD in experimental physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field and 4 plus years' experience; Master's Degree and 7 years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency with building and/or day-to-day maintenance of cryogenic scanning microscopy systems
• Proficiency with lock-in amplifiers, piezoelectric scanners, and/or current sources
• US Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with CI/FS poly clearance per business requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Sr. Principal Experimental SPM Physicist:

• PhD in experimental physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field
• Proficiency with building and/or day-to-day maintenance of cryogenic scanning microscopy systems
• Proficiency with aggregating and analyzing resulting SPM data
• Proficiency in electrical and mechanical isolation
• Experience writing and contributing to version-controlled code in Python or MATLAB
• Surface science knowledge, including superconductivity
• Active TS/SCI with CI/FS poly security clearance.

This position reports to Linthicum, MD, USA, however, this position can also be worked from Annapolis Junction, MD, MD, USA.

Salary Range: $120,900 USD - $181,300 USD

Salary Range 2: $149,800 USD - $224,800 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.