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Mechanical Materials Test Engineer Level 5

Sunnyvale, California, United States
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security.  Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.  Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman’s Marine Systems Materials Engineering and Test Laboratory (METL) department is looking to hire a Materials Process Engineer, Level 5. This is a fast-paced environment where the team provides materials engineering support to design engineering and on-site production activities. This team supports all programs within Marine Systems. These include missile launch systems and Propulsion and Power Generation (PPG) across Virginia, Columbia, Ford, Zumwalt, and upcoming platforms.

An individual in this role will analyze, research, design, and develop materials and their related fabrication and application processes to develop and optimize materials for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems. They will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to develop metallic, non-metallic and composite material and processing specifications, fabrication and assembly processes. They will develop, analyze and apply material properties and design allowables, processing processes and quality engineering specifications. This role will require frequent authoring of test plans and review of work product of more junior members of staff. May review and approve subcontractor material processing procedures.

An ideal candidate will be comfortable both in and out of the laboratory environment. They will need to demonstrate subject matter expertise with mechanical material testing processes, laboratory management, and physical inspection activities. Leadership of specific laboratory areas will be expected. Strong knowledge of Naval and commercial testing standards expected. Experience with DoD processes and lifecycle management processes are also beneficial.

Due to the physical nature of the work, this position requires a full-time presence at the Sunnyvale, CA location.

Active clearance preferred. Ability to obtain/ maintain a Secret-level clearance once hired.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 12 years relevant work experience; or Master’s Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) discipline with 10 years relevant work experience; or Ph.D in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 7 years pf relevant work experience.
  • Laboratory Environment experience required.
  • Subject matter expertise with industrial material testing processes is required.
  • Experience with mechanical static and dynamic testing of materials.
  • Knowledge of common commercial testing standards and material specs.
  • Expertise in rigging, crane operation, stacker/forklift operation.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.
  • US Citizenship required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Mastery of hydraulic and servo control MTS load frames.
  • Industrial fabrication skills.

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00

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.

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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States, building advanced systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company is known for some of the most complex defense programs in the world, including stealth aircraft, autonomous systems, missile defense technologies, satellites, and space-based intelligence platforms that support U.S. national security operations.

For job seekers, Northrop Grumman offers careers across a wide range of high-impact fields including aerospace engineering, software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, manufacturing, program management, and intelligence support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on mission-critical systems that directly support the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Many roles involve long-term programs with significant technical depth and real-world operational impact.

Unlike smaller defense startups focused on narrow capabilities, Northrop Grumman operates across multiple major mission areas, giving employees exposure to highly advanced programs such as stealth platforms, space systems, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation command-and-control systems. The company is also a major leader in classified space and intelligence systems, where cutting-edge engineering and secure infrastructure play a critical role in national defense.

As global competition in space, cyber, and advanced military systems continues to intensify, Northrop Grumman remains one of the most strategically important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking stable, highly technical careers with long-term impact on national security, Northrop Grumman continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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