2026 Principal Research Scientist - Promontory UT
About The Position
Northrop Grumman is seeking Principal Research Scientists to join the Propulsion Engineering team of chemists and material scientists at its Space sector in Promontory, Utah. The team applies materials expertise to solid propulsion systems across research and development, sustainment, and product lifecycles. The role develops and implements methods for processing and safely handling volatile, energetic, and rapidly reacting materials; evaluates materials and formulations; and assesses material compatibility and susceptibility to degrading environments. The scientist will lead independent research, design and analyze complex experiments, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, communicate findings, and help shape research programs, technology roadmaps, specifications, and quality standards.
Requirements
- Be completing or have completed a Ph.D. from an accredited institution.
- Major in or have majored in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science Engineering.
- 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 to meet business needs.
Nice To Haves
- Doctoral research focused on high-temperature materials, analytical chemistry, polymers, carbon composites, coatings, energetic materials, explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, or reactive composites, including synthesis, formulation, or processing.
- Hands-on characterization experience with energetic or polymeric materials using methods such as DSC, TGA, DMA, rheometry, spectroscopy, chromatography, or microscopy.
- Experience with material aging, life prediction, or compatibility testing relevant to solid propulsion or similar high-consequence systems.
- Demonstrated experience safely handling energetic or explosive materials in laboratory or pilot-scale environments while following rigorous safety and hazard-control practices.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, 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 safely handling volatile, energetic, and rapidly reacting materials.
- Evaluate and test new materials and formulations for solid propulsion systems across research and development and sustainment lifecycles.
- Assess material constituents and their susceptibility to environments that may degrade propulsion-system performance.
- Evaluate material compatibility with solid propulsion systems, components, and other products.
- Lead independent research projects from conception to completion using advanced experimental methodologies and techniques.
- Design, execute, and analyze complex experiments, interpret results, and draw scientific conclusions.
- Collaborate with propulsion, systems, structures, manufacturing, and quality teams to apply energetic-materials expertise to new products and technologies.
- Document and present research findings through lab notebooks, technical reports, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders, and advance results toward publications and patentable innovations as appropriate.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of research programs and technology roadmaps for materials used in propulsion systems and products.
- Develop and refine specifications and quality standards supporting solid propulsion systems products and technologies, including surveillance, aging, and sustainment activities.
Benefits
- Health insurance coverage
- Life and disability insurance
- Savings plan
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
- Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
