Principal/Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer

Northrop Grumman•Palmdale, CA

62d•$103,600 - $193,300•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Materials and Process Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in Palmdale, CA. This position can be filled at Principal Engineer Material Process or a Sr. Principal Engineer Material Process level. As a member of the Palmdale M&P team, you will define, develop, implement, and transition new materials, processes, and technology solutions support the assembly line to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality. The M&P team supports the implementation and streamlining of various production applications including but not limited to composites fabrication, bonding, liquid shim, part/assembly installation, coatings, etc. The role requires support of developing test plans, standard repairs, and evaluation of performance of materials and processes to verify their efficiency. The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing, researching, and developing materials and their related application processes for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems. The candidate will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to investigate material issues and provide solutions. In addition, you will support the production teams to identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure F35 contractual obligations (technical, schedule, and cost) are met and product quality is maintained. The role will require knowledge of integral fuel tank sealing, bonding with various adhesives, application of primer and topcoat, fairing compounds, fastener fillers, composite rework and repair, material review board, manufacturing executions system, manufacturing plan review, requests for information or change from suppliers, and design support. Tools to be utilized for investigations are PDM, JDL, EMAP, Catia, and VAS. This role involves interfacing with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and executive management. In addition, the role will require the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment. Project Management skills will be utilized to properly scope and execute assigned work and manage project efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 5 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a Master’s Degree in a related STEM discipline with 3 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 1 year of relevant engineering experience (for Principal level).
Bachelor’s Degree in a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline with 8 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a Master’s Degree in a related STEM discipline with 6 years of relevant engineering experience; OR a PhD in a related STEM discipline with 4 years of relevant engineering experience (for Sr. Principal level).
Demonstrated experience with material testing and material qualification
Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain clearance and Special Program Access (SAP/SAR)
Knowledge of integral fuel tank sealing, bonding with various adhesives, application of primer and topcoat, fairing compounds, fastener fillers, composite rework and repair, material review board, manufacturing executions system, manufacturing plan review, requests for information or change from suppliers, and design support.
Familiarity with tools such as PDM, JDL, EMAP, Catia, and VAS.

Nice To Haves

Experience with film adhesives, carbon fiber, BMI, sealing aircraft components, primer and topcoat applications, and metallic structures
Experience with Supplier Management
Experience with low observable material, coating thickness verification, surface preparation, and material reactivation, fairing compounds, and fastener fillers
New material integration and interface with production personnel
Government and customer interface experience
Root cause investigation and corrective action implementation

Responsibilities

Define, develop, implement, and transition new materials, processes, and technology solutions to support the assembly line to increase efficiency, reduce cost, and improve quality.
Support the implementation and streamlining of various production applications including composites fabrication, bonding, liquid shim, part/assembly installation, coatings, etc.
Develop test plans, standard repairs, and evaluate the performance of materials and processes to verify their efficiency.
Analyze, research, and develop materials and their related application processes for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems.
Apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to investigate material issues and provide solutions.
Support production teams to identify and initiate corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure F35 contractual obligations (technical, schedule, and cost) are met and product quality is maintained.
Manage multiple projects concurrently in a dynamic/fast-paced work environment.
Utilize Project Management skills to properly scope and execute assigned work and manage project efforts.
Interface with internal and external customers, program offices, engineering disciplines, and executive management.