Engineer Research Development (Level 2 or 3)

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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Research and Development Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Clearfield, UT.

Our Research and Development team works to support process development and automation of composite aerospace structures. We engineer the latest composite structures for military/commercial aircraft and launch structures, and are leaders in next-generation composite development. We operate as principal investigators over IRAD and Process Service project schedules and budgets. Would you like to work on the cutting edge of aerospace? Come join our team!

Responsibilities:

• Develop processes and optimize material solutions for pilot scale fabrication of complex composite materials. Plan and execute the transition to production scale manufacturing and assist in defining equipment and floor plan needs.
• Develop new material systems that are amenable to additive manufacturing, fiber placement and other automated composite fabrication techniques.
• Solve technical issues using root cause methodologies based on underlying scientific principals and an understanding of chemical processes
• Identify and develop technical solutions that meet IRAD and Process Service project goals
• Provide technical decisions and recommendations based on data and project outcomes
• Lead development efforts to reduce cost, increase process efficiency, and ensure consistent quality in support of current and future programs
• Work with internal and external partners to champion and ensure success of R&D projects
• Support execution of the project requirements to cost and schedule objectives
• Foster an environment of cooperation and teamwork within the Process and Technology Development team
• Author, modify and audit procedures
• Support root cause and corrective action
• Resolve production issues in process working closely with manufacturing personnel
• Support manufacturing of composite structures

Our team enjoys a significantly diverse range of assignments and collaborates with many Northrop Grumman teams to provide innovative solutions to complex and exciting problems. We are part of the composites technology development organization and work closely with Design and analysis engineers, engineering technicians, tooling engineers, and process engineers to provide state-of-the-art solutions to the most engaging problems. Safety is near and dear to our hearts; we are proud of our record of 1100+ days without a recordable incident.

We work a 9/80 work week, which gives us every other Friday off to pursue passions outside the office. Travel for a Principal Engineer is up to 10%, all within the continental US and typically involves a 2-3 day trip once per year. We work with our team to try and allocate travel responsibilities to those who enjoy travel. Northrop Grumman offers a full suite of benefits to our employees. We are regularly voted among the top companies for work life balance. Our Clearfield location is surrounded by the beautiful Wasatch Mountains which provide numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Do you enjoy skiing, hiking, or biking? Picture yourself in Utah!

This role may be filled at an Engineer or Principal Engineer level depending on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications:

Engineer

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 2+ years of engineering experience or Masters in a STEM field and 0 years of engineering experience
• Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material systems
• Aerospace composite manufacturing methods
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access

Principal

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 5+ years of engineering experience or Masters in a STEM field and 3+ years of engineering experience
• Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material systems
• Aerospace composite manufacturing methods
• Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DoD Secret Security Clearance
• Statistical analysis methods
• R&D experience
• Able to navigate Catia V5 and NX
• Familiarity with the transition from development to production
• Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Ability to author, modify and audit work procedures
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Thermoplastic composites experience
• Rapid prototyping
• Knowledge of honeycomb core types and forming techniques
• Design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA)
• Design of Experiments training
• Basic knowledge of hand-tools & safety
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences
• Computer programming languages C++ & Java
• Basic knowledge of LabView
• Familiarity with resin infusion processing techniques

What We Offer

At Northrop Grumman, we are on the cutting edge of innovation -- building the next generation of sophisticated aircraft to protect our country. Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive, family environment, phenomenal learning opportunities, and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a great 401K matching program, and 14 Employee Resource Groups inclusive of all employees!

Salary Range: $71,100 USD - $106,700 USD

Salary Range 2: $87,600 USD - $131,400 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.