2027 Principal Research Scientist - Directed Energy and Thermal Physics - Manhattan Beach CA

Northrop Grumman • Manhattan Beach, CA

1d • $114,000 - $171,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Research Scientist specializing in directed energy and thermal physics. The position is part of the Research Laboratories department within Engineering West, in the Space sector, and is located in Manhattan Beach, California. The role develops and implements technologies in a rapid-prototype laboratory environment supporting spacecraft and aircraft systems. It conducts original research, builds strategic collaborations, contributes to multidisciplinary research, and helps transition emerging research into capabilities for U.S. Government missions. The scientist also works with technology principal investigators to develop and communicate a multi-year research and technology vision.

Requirements

• Be completing or have completed a Ph.D. from an accredited institution.
• Major in or have majored in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Thermal Physics, or a related field.
• Be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance; U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite.
• Be able to obtain Special Access Program access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company’s business needs.

Nice To Haves

• Overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher.
• Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical or Optical Engineering, Thermal Physics, or a closely related field from an accredited university.
• Proficiency in team leadership, communication, and cost and schedule management.
• Research experience in areas such as aerospace nanotechnology, directed-energy or laser systems, next-generation thermal technologies, subsystem packaging, or high-power electronics.
• Experience in materials growth, fabrication, and characterization in a cleanroom environment.
• Active in-scope DoD Top Secret or SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement new technologies in a rapid-prototype development laboratory supporting spacecraft and aircraft systems.
• Act as a subject matter expert in a field related to directed energy, optics, and/or thermal and vehicle technologies, with general knowledge of related disciplines.
• Conduct impactful original research autonomously and communicate results in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.
• Create and leverage strategic collaborations with universities, consortia, industrial suppliers, and national laboratories.
• Collaborate on major research initiatives and multidisciplinary projects, serving in roles such as contributor, consulting expert, or principal investigator.
• Generate intellectual property and transition emerging research into technological differentiators for NG Space and U.S. Government missions.
• In consultation with NGSP Technology Principal Investigators, develop and communicate a multi-year research and technology vision, including analysis of alternative courses of action and risk-reward scenarios.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree