Job Description

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems and technology that impact people rsquo;s lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our work preserves freedom and democracy, and advances human discovery and our understanding of the universe. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have a lot of fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work mdash; and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they are making history.

Northrop Grumman rsquo;s Defense Systems sector is an experienced Sr. Principal Research Scientist to support the Missile Products organization/business unit.

Position Summary:
* Manage solid rocket propellant development from subscale through production
* Formulate and tailor both existing and novel compositions of: propellants, explosives, rocket case bond liners, thermal rubber insulations, and adhesives
* Proactively interact within cross-functional program teams as a materials expert
* Interface with internal and external customers
* Design experiments and perform statistical based analysis of physical and chemical technical data
* Document work in technical reports, prepare presentations, and effectively communicate results to technical peers, program teams, and customers
* Perform duties within industry specific regulations regarding safety, product and material requirements, and plant operations standards
* Take responsibility for assuring quality, cost effectiveness, and timely completion of projects
* Perform technical planning, cost estimation, and general proposal support for new business captures

Qualification

Basic Qualifications

* Bachelor rsquo;s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related science field
* 9 years of experience with a BS; 7 years of experience with a Masters; 4 years of experience with a PhD
* Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment
* Ability and experience working effectively under deadlines, with considerable latitude in determining technical objectives and a track record of delivering results
* Effective at managing and executing several challenging projects simultaneously, and with competing priorities
* High ethical standards of work and personal conduct
* Willingness to work outside of standard work hours when needed to resolve issues
* Proficiency in MS office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
* Able to obtain a Secret Clearance which requires U.S. Citizenship as a prerequisite

Preferred Qualifications:

* M.S. or Ph.D.
* 4 years of related experience with similar products, materials, or technology
* Understanding of relevant chemistries including elements of: polymer, organic, physical, and inorganic
* Understanding of relevant physical properties, measurements, characterization, and phenomena including: rheology/mixing, properties of particles, mechanics of viscoelastic materials, reaction kinetics
* Familiarity with chemical and physical analytical techniques such as: FTIR, GPC, GC, surface area, particle size, DSC, TGA
* Laboratory or manufacturing experience handling explosive, energetic, or hazardous materials
* Knowledge of and experience in solid propellants as well as rocket/missile design, development, and production
* Understanding of Statistical Process Control (SPC)