2026 Principal Research Scientist - Novel Materials & Devices - Manhattan Beach CA

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: 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 Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking a Principal Research Scientist - Novel Materials & Devices, reporting to the Research Laboratories department within Engineering West. This position will be in Manhattan Beach, CA.
Research scientists' responsibilities include the planning, prioritization, and execution of foundational research to advance the frontier of discovery in aerospace science and technology. Science staff are called upon to act as research principal investigators, as well as to support their peers through mutual collaboration on multidisciplinary projects and to transition emerging research into applied technology development.
In this role, the selected candidate will be expected to:

Act as a subject matter expert in a field of study related to Novel Materials & Devices (applied physics, nanotechnology, materials science, thermal physics, optics/photonics, etc.) and have general knowledge of related disciplines.
Perform impactful original research with a significant degree of autonomy and communicate results in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.
Create and leverage strategic collaborations with partner organizations such as universities, consortia, industrial suppliers, and national labs.
Collaborate with peers on major research thrusts and multidisciplinary projects, with the flexibility to take on diverse roles such as contributor, consulting expert, and principal investigator.
Generate intellectual property and transition emerging research into technological discriminators for NGSP, enabling breakthrough capabilities for USG missions
Under consultation with Research Laboratories leadership, develop and communicate a multi-year vision for basic research, with regular analysis of alternative courses of action and risk/reward scenarios
Basic Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field from an accredited university with at least 2 years of work experience in field
Experience as a researcher in Novel Materials & Devices or closely related discipline
Strong analytical and problem solving ability
Ability to obtain in-scope DoD Secret or SCI clearance
Preferred Qualifications:

Ph.D in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or closely related field from an accredited university
Proficiency in cost & schedule management, communication skills, and team leadership
Experience as a researcher in topics such as: nanotechnology for aerospace, multifunctional thin films/coatings or optics, phase change materials, integrated photonics and packaging, RF electronics, next-generation thermal technologies, or high power electronics.
Experience in materials growth, fabrication, and characterization in a cleanroom environment
Active in-scope DoD Secret or SCI clearance
Salary Range: *$114,000 USD - $171,000 USD
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.