Northrop Grumman Australia · 9 hours ago
2026 Principal Research Scientist – Novel Materials & Devices - Manhattan Beach CA
United States-California-Manhattan Beach
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$114K/yr - $171K/yr
2+ years expNorthrop Grumman is a leading aerospace and defense technology company, and they are seeking a Principal Research Scientist specializing in Novel Materials & Devices. The role involves conducting foundational research in aerospace science and technology, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and transitioning emerging research into applied technology development.
Defense & Space
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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
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
Company
Northrop Grumman Australia
Northrop Grumman Australia is the Australia-based arm of Northrop Grumman Corporation and committed to generating long-term prosperity, investing in advanced Research & Development, sovereign and exportable Intellectual Property, high-quality jobs and long-term technology leadership across the Commonwealth.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase