2026 Principal Research Scientist - Promontory UT
About The Position
Northrop Grumman is seeking Principal Research Scientists to join their Propulsion Engineering team of Chemists and Material Scientists. This position will be located at their Space sector in Promontory, UT. The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman’s Propulsion Engineering team of Chemists and Material Scientists. Northrop Grumman is a space pioneer, supporting government, civil and commercial customers in solving their biggest challenges. Our forward-leaning, innovative spirit is backed by a legacy of expertise that began at the dawn of the space age. Our mission experience in space runs deep, we know our customers well, and our capabilities are unmatched. This is what allows us to provide reliable, agile and affordable space solutions to best serve our customers. From defending freedom to advancing human discovery, we are defining what is possible in space every day. Entry Level opportunities at Northrop Grumman are unique. Are you interested in boosting your knowledge through experience and exposure, while supporting a mission that seeks to protect our nation and its allies? If so, then Northrop Grumman is the place you! Our professionals live and breathe different perspectives; we are curious about the world, accepting each other, and aware that the more ideas, backgrounds, opinions and experiences we bring to our work, the stronger that work will be. Just as you would invest your time and hard work into our company, we focus on investing back into you through enriching professional experiences and high-quality learning and development opportunities. We want you to bring your whole self to work, and for you to have meaningful connections with your coworkers, customers and communities, while providing the best products, systems and technologies to protect our world.
Requirements
- Be completing or has completed their PhD from an accredited institution
- Be majoring in or having majored in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Material Science Engineering
- Be able to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
- The ability to obtain Special Access Program within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs
Nice To Haves
- Doctoral research focus in high temperature materials, analytical chemistry, polymers, carbon composites, coatings, energetic materials, explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, or reactive composites, including synthesis, formulation, or processing.
- Hands‑on experience with characterization of energetic or polymeric materials, such as DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, spectroscopy, chromatography, and/or microscopy.
- Experience with material aging, life prediction, or compatibility testing relevant to solid propulsion or similar high‑consequence systems.
- Demonstrated experience with safe handling of energetic/explosive materials in laboratory or pilot‑scale environments, including adherence to rigorous safety and hazard‑control practices.
- Record of peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and/or patents in relevant technical areas.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary teams and communicating complex technical results to diverse audiences.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement innovative methods and solutions for processing and safe handling of volatile, energetic and rapidly reacting materials.
- Evaluate and test new materials and formulations for application within solid propulsion systems across R&D and sustainment lifecycles.
- Assess material constituents and their susceptibility to degrading environments that can deteriorate propulsion systems performance.
- Evaluate material compatibility with solid propulsion systems, components and other products.
- Lead and conduct independent research projects from conception to completion, utilizing advanced experimental methodologies and techniques.
- Design, execute, and analyze complex experiments, interpreting results and drawing sound scientific conclusions.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (propulsion, systems, structures, manufacturing, quality) to apply energetic materials expertise to new products and technologies.
- Prepare and present research findings through lab notebooks, technical reports, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders; advance results towards publications and patentable innovations for Northrop Grumman as appropriate.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of research programs and technology roadmaps for materials used in propulsion systems and propulsion systems products.
- Develop and refine specifications and quality standards necessary to support products and technologies of solid propulsion systems including surveillance, aging and sustainment activities.
Benefits
- Relocation assistance may be available
- health insurance coverage
- life and disability insurance
- savings plan
- Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
- overtime
- shift differential
- discretionary bonus
- Annual bonuses
- Long Term Incentives (for VP or Director positions)
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
