Senior Principal Research Scientist
About The Position
At 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. AOA Xinetics (AOX) designs, develops, and manufactures advanced optical products and systems such as deformable mirrors, optical systems, adaptive optics control systems and silicon carbide optical structures for the U.S. Government, commercial customers, and U.S. defense prime and second-tier contractors. Markets for these technologies include terrestrial and space-based astronomy, semiconductor manufacturing, energy generation, Defense ISR, and Directed Energy. Xinetics program core technologies include Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN) electrostrictive actuators and lightweight CeraprintTM silicon carbide optics and precision structures. The Ceramic Materials Scientist will apply knowledge and hands-on experience with synthesis, processing, and characterization of ceramic materials and devices used in various environments. You will lead or support ceramics research efforts through formulation development and materials fabrication, and execution of test procedures and data analysis for the advancement of functional and structural ceramics used in AOX’s products. You will also support the strategy for our team, whose efforts are applied to solving our customer’s critical materials challenges. Our ideal candidate will foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise.
Requirements
- BS in Materials Science, Ceramic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other related field
- Nine years experience with synthesis, processing, and/or characterization of ferroelectric materials, OR 7 years experience with a master’s degree, OR 4 years experience with a PhD
- Understanding of various characterization and analytical methods such as: XRD, EDS, SEM, PSD, TGA, FTIR, GC/MS, etc.
- Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines in addition to materials science
- Proficient in MS Office and MS Project
- Ability to work independently, exercising good technical judgment to solve problems
- Strong record of successful teamwork
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Willing and able to perform work in a laboratory setting, and travel for testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations
- Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance
- US Citizenship is a requirement for employment
Nice To Haves
- PhD in Materials Science, Ceramics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field
- Experience with Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN) material and electrostrictive actuators
- Over 10 years of direct electro-ceramic research and process development
- Experience in ceramic manufacturing
- Experience in transitioning successful research projects to production
- Understanding of and/or ability to conduct, recommend and review multi-discipline analyses (e.g. ANSYS FEM, PSpice circuit analysis, COMSOL Multi Physics, etc.)
- Expert in the use of scientific numerical / analysis packages (e.g. MATLAB, Mathematica, etc.)
- Active Secret or Top-Secret Clearance
Responsibilities
- Carry out materials research and development in support of evolving requirements including formulating and synthesizing ceramic materials, designing experiments, and characterizing properties of materials and systems
- Analyze data and interpret results, including automating routine data analysis calculations
- Document technical work in detail and present to internal and external stakeholders
- Contribute to white papers, proposals, and sponsor briefings
- Support for root cause analysis and quick resolution of manufacturing line stops and other critical production activities
- Collaborative work with other engineering organizations, program management, factory operations, global supply chain, and quality
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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
