Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeAt 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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman’s Marine Systems Materials Engineering and Test Laboratory (METL) department is looking to hire a Materials Process Engineer Level 3 or 4 This is a fast-paced environment where the team provides materials engineering support to design engineering and on-site production activities. This team supports all programs within Marine Systems. These include missile launch systems and Propulsion and Power Generation (PPG) across Virginia, Columbia, Ford, Zumwalt, and upcoming platforms. This role will require an onsite presence in Sunnyvale, CA.

We are seeking a Materials Process Engineer Level 3 or 4 with advanced knowledge of metallographic sample preparation for ferrous alloys, wet‑chemistry etching, light‑optical microscopy, SEM‑EDS, hardness testing, XRF, carbon/sulfur analysis, borescopes and load frames, as well as familiarity with commercial testing standards, material specifications and weld codes (NavSea preferred). Experience with non‑metallic processes such as FTIR, thermal analysis, rheology, KF titration and paints/coatings testing is a plus, as is knowledge of DoW lifecycle‑management procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform metallographic sample preparation, wet‑chemistry etching, and analysis of ferrous alloys using optical microscopy, SEM‑EDS, hardness testing, XRF, carbon/sulfur analysis, borescopes, and load frames.
• Conduct non‑metallic laboratory tests (FTIR, thermal analysis, rheology, KF titration, paints/coatings) as needed.
• Develop, analyze, and specify material properties, processing methods, fabrication procedures, and design allowables for metallic, non‑metallic, and composite materials.
• Execute failure analyses, life‑prediction studies, and define material requirement specifications.
• Review/approve subcontractor material‑processing procedures and ensure compliance with commercial testing standards, material specs, weld codes (NavSea preferred), and DoD lifecycle‑management processes.
• Provide technical leadership for designated laboratory areas.

This position may filled at a Material Process Engineer Level 3 or a Materials Process Engineer Level 4 based on the qualifications listed below:

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 5 years relevant work experience; or Master’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 3 years relevant work experience.
• Laboratory Environment experience required.
• Subject matter expertise with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials, e.g., sectioning parts, mount, prep & etch, light optical microscopy, SEM, hardness evaluations.
• Experience with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials.
• Knowledge of common commercial testing standards, material specs, and NavSea weld codes.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

• Bachelor’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 8 years relevant work experience; or Master’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 6 years relevant work experience.
• Laboratory Environment experience required.
• Subject matter expertise with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials, e.g., sectioning parts, mount, prep & etch, light optical microscopy, SEM, hardness evaluations.
• Experience with metallographic inspection and analysis of ferrous materials.
• Knowledge of common commercial testing standards, material specs, and NavSea weld codes.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills with non-metallics laboratory processes, such as FTIR, thermal analysis, rheology, KF titration, and paints and coatings tests are a plus.
• Experience with DoD processes and lifecycle management processes are also beneficial.

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and 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 application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity 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 and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.