Staff Research Development Engineer

What qualifications needed to be considered:

An active TS/SCI with current Polygraph is required to be considered.
Bachelor's degree plus 12 years of related experience (or 4 years of additional experience in lieu of degree), 10 years of related experience with a Master's degree, or 8 years of experience with a PhD) in one or more of the following areas:
Digital design, high-resolution 3D modeling and sculpting
Photogrammetric and laser scanning
Laser engraving
Texturing and painting
Prototyping and production
Upholstery and textile construction
Demonstrated ability in any combination of the below capabilities:
Working with 3D models across multiple applications (e.g., ZBrush, Maya, Substance Painter, Rhino, Artec Studio 16, and Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator and Photoshop).
Experience managing multiple SubTools, managing topology with Dynamesh and Zremesher, creating custom alphas for textures and brushes, and working with UV Master.
Applying an understanding of lighting, color, material, orientation, depth, visual perspective, and composition, including a good feeling for proportions.
Working with specialized machinery and equipment such as grinders, drills, presses, saws, cutters, sealers, sergers, and related computer-aided drawing software.
Working with various materials and textile weights (e.g., nylon, silk, polyblend, denim, knit, heavy canvas, leather) and installing grommets, zippers, snaps, and other fasteners.
Understanding of musculoskeletal function, assistive devices, medical prosthetics/fittings, and related equipment.
Experience with structure and composition of a variety of materials and mediums such as adhesives, acrylics, plastics, solvents, epoxies, urethanes, and silicones, along with materials handling and safety within a production facility.
Experience applying SFX makeup and hair, and creating realistic wounds, scars, etc.
Experience with hair implantation and ventilation techniques.

Ability to implant hair into traditional and non-traditional materials.

Experience with hair specific adhesives.

Experience working with human, yak and synthetic hair

Familiarity with standard methods of measuring and fitting wigs

Ability to hand-tie wigs on lace as well as on 4-way stretch or flexible substrates

Ability to replicate various hair styles, colors and lengths using human and/or synthetic hair

Ability to replicate facial hair (beards, moustaches, sideburns, etc.) using accepted techniques and materials

Ability to document instructions and plans for execution of fabrication, assembly, and testing.


Preferred Qualifications include:

Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills to present data and recommendations to internal and external customers.
Ability to coordinate and schedule work through multiple organizations, considering interdepartmental dependencies and multiple projects, to meet deadlines.
Able to give and receive constructive feedback of co-worker and/or a team's work
Willingness to learn and keep current with new products, materials, software, and techniques.
Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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): Chantilly, VA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10218795

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-01-10T19:49:48