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Northrop Grumman

Principal/Sr. Principal Experimental SPM (Scanning Probe Microscopy) Physicist

Linthicum Heights, MD

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.

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Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace! Do you enjoy a culture where your voice is valued? Start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. Here at Northrop Grumman, we take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. As a company, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce and understand that our employees are at their best with a healthy work-life balance, both of which are examples of the many benefits of joining our team!

Are you passionate about solving important problems that impact the world we live in?
Are you seeking for purposeful work that will shape the future?
Are you looking to join a technically rich and diverse environment that respects you for who you are?
If so, we may have a place for you!

We are seeking an experimental scientist with a scanning probe microscopy (SPM) experimental background that has an interest in Scanning SQUID Microscopy (SSM), and/or cryogenic Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). The ideal candidate should have experience that includes some of the following:
  • Prior experience with SPM, SSM, cryogenic STM, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) systems including building systems and/or day-to-day system operations and maintenance.
  • Background knowledge in experimental design, mechanical and electrical isolation, and/or materials R&D
  • Python and/or MATLAB experience/knowledge or willingness to learn
  • Analysis of resulting microscopy data
  • Experience with standard microscopy instrumentation including lock-in amplifiers, piezoelectric scanners, and AC/DC sources
What you need to be successful in the role:
  • Excited about quantum materials such as superconductors, topological insulators, Weyl semimetals, and 2D surface states.
  • Willing to contribute to materials R&D discussions and cross-coordinate with other teams to identify, build, complete, and measure the resulting experiments.
  • Motivated to learn new technologies and technical skills
  • Able to identify problems, analyze data, and course correct experimental plans
  • Able to collaborate in a small group setting
Your responsibilities:
  • Be a collaborative member of a team solving interesting questions
  • Assist in the day-to-day operations of equipment and equipment improvements.
  • Be responsible for identifying improvements to procedures and hardware/electronics
This position will be based out of our Advanced Technology Lab (ATL) facility in Linthicum, Maryland or our Annapolis Junction, MD location. This position requires full-time work onsite .

This position can be filled as either a Principal SPM Experimental Physicist or a Sr. Principal Experimental SPM Physicist

Basic Qualifications for Principal Experimental SPM Physicist:
  • PhD in experimental physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field (or will complete by December 2024); Master's Degree and 3 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Experience with building and/or day-to-day maintenance of cryogenic scanning microscopy systems
  • Experience with lock-in amplifiers, piezoelectric scanners, and/or current sources
  • The ability to demonstrate strong communication skills and to work on a diverse multi-disciplinary team
  • A strong ability to learn new topics quickly and independently solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
  • Clearance : Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI with polygraph clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Experimental SPM Physicist:
  • PhD in experimental physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field and 4 plus years' of professional experience; Master's Degree and 7 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Proficiency with building and/or day-to-day maintenance of cryogenic scanning microscopy systems
  • Proficiency with lock-in amplifiers, piezoelectric scanners, and/or current sources
  • The ability to demonstrate strong communication skills and to work on a diverse multi-disciplinary team
  • A strong ability to learn new topics quickly and independently solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
  • Clearance : Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
Preferred qualifications for Principal OR Sr. Principal Experimental SPM Physicist:
  • PhD in experimental physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering, or a related field
  • Experience with analyzing cryogenic or room temperature scanning microscopy data
  • Quantum materials and /or surface science background
  • Experience writing and contributing to version-controlled code in Python or MATLAB.
  • Active TS/SCI with poly security clearance.
Salary Range: $123,900 - $185,900
Salary Range 2: $153,600 - $230,400

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.

Employees may be eligible for 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 committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA 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.

Client-provided location(s): Linthicum Heights, MD, USA
Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10153852
Employment Type: Other

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Four-Day Work Week
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
    • Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
    • Woman founded/led

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