Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer

Perform analyses to characterize performance or determine causes of tool, material, part, or process failures; recommend corrective actions for senior review
Coordinate and support lab activities (metallography, hardness, tensile, NDT/NDI) and compile test data for interpretation and disposition
Use project management practices to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements for assigned tasks while incorporating EHS, LEAN, and Quality principles into materials/process work, lab activities, and procedures
Support creation and revision of material/process specifications, work instructions, and test plans; ensure alignment with Northrop Grumman and industry requirements
Support investigations of non-conformances and supplier deviations; collect evidence, perform basic root-cause analysis, and draft corrective action recommendations
Maintain engineering records (test reports, engineering orders) and support configuration control and design reviews as required
Communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams and stakeholders
Frequent interaction with manufacturing floors, supplier facilities, and testing laboratories
Occasional travel to supplier sites, test facilities, and other Northrop Grumman locations may be required
Must comply with Northrop Grumman security, health, and safety policies
Basic Qualifications:

8 years of Engineering experience with a Bachelor's of Science in a STEM discipline preferrable in Materials Science and Engineering; 6 years of Material Science and Engineering experience with Masters; 4 Years with a PhD
Engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing environments
Practical knowledge of metallurgy for ferrous and nonferrous alloys, heat treatment basics, corrosion/fatigue fundamentals, and common materials testing methods
Hands-on exposure to metallographic sample preparation and basic lab techniques (cutting, polishing, etching, hardness)
2+ years of manufacturing processes (machining, forging, forming, fastening, welding/brazing, plating/coating) and ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications related to metallic materials and processing
Active DoD Secret Clearance
Ability to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills
Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, or polymer engineering
PhD in material science or materials engineering
Strong desire to mentor and grow employees
Expert level first principle engineering knowledge of metals and materials
Knowledge of physical and mechanical properties as well as evaluation methods (tensile strength, hardness, fatigue, fracture toughness, creep, stress rupture, SEM, non-destructive inspection, spectroscopy)
Detailed knowledge of one or more of the following production processes: forging, casting, forming, coating, plating, heat treating, fusion welding, friction stir welding, EB welding, additive manufacturing, and composite manufacturing
Hands-on experience in a high-production manufacturing environment
Experience with technical review of materials processing and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance
Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and highly competitive environment
Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules
Effective written and interpersonal communication skills
Capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all levels of our organization
Strong academic foundation coupled with hands on experience
This position is contingent upon clearance.
Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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.

Client-provided location(s): Los Angeles, CA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10227440

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-28T20:19:29