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Sr Principal Research Scientist

Northrop Grumman
MDET01, United States, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 29 Oct 2025
💰 $196,700/yr($131,100/yr$196,700/yr)

About the role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

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 is in need of a Sr Principal Research Scientist to work at its Elkton, Maryland facility. 

Northrop Grumman Propulsion Systems and Controls (PS&C) facility in Elkton, Maryland began solid-propellant rocket operations in 1948. Today, the Elkton PS&C facility designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems in programs professionally managed for a wide variety of Government and commercial customers. The facility also serves as the hub for offsite engineering and test facilities in Ronkonkoma, NY and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

Elkton, Maryland is located on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, midway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Discover charming small towns, parks with miles of trails, specialty and antique shops, award winning restaurants, and inns.  You can hike, bike, camp, bird watch, ride horseback, or drop a fishing line.  Five rivers, Chesapeake Bay and the C&D Canal can be explored by boat or by land. Experience panoramic views from Turkey Point Lighthouse on a bluff overlooking the Bay, or from the banks of the C&D Canal where ships from around the globe cruise. https://www.ccgov.org/government/tourism

The Sr Principal Research Scientist initiates the design, development, execution and implementation of technology research projects. Investigates the feasibility of applying scientific principles and concepts to potential inventions and products. Responsibilities include: defining and executing research tasks, analyzing data, publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting research at scientific conferences. Capable of defining research projects for their projects with assistance from management with a focus on answering fundamental questions in basic science. Plans and executes applied research. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories, and may contribute to scientific literature and conferences. May participate in development of patent applications. May coordinate interdepartmental activities and research efforts.

Basic qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelors degree in STEM studies and at least 8 years of experience. Will consider those with a Masters degree and at least 6 years of experience or those with a PhD and at least 4 years of experience.
  • Ability to advance and prioritize multiple projects concurrently
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a secret clearance, which US citizenship is a pre-requisite

Preferred qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) preferred
  • Experience with solid propellants or energetics
  • Working knowledge of polymers and polymer processing, such as viscosity, stress/strain relationships and other concepts
  • Active secret clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $131,100.00 - $196,700.00

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.

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Company

Northrop Grumman

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