Skip to main content
Posted June 12, 2026
Northrop Grumman

Principal/Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer - R10236087

Palmdale, CA, US Full Time
$103600 - $155400
Reference: R10236087

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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.

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.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Materials and Processes Engineer:

  • 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.

  • 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)

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Materials and Processes Engineer:

  • 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.

  • 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)

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:

  • 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

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,300.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Sign up for Job Alerts