Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Woodland Hills
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes 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! We are looking for you to join our team as a Materials and Process Engineer based out of Woodland Hills, CA. What You’ll Get to Do: As an M&P Engineer, you will support definition of engineering requirements to develop, select, or recommend parts, materials, processes, manufacturing technologies, machinery, tools, and automation systems used in product design and manufacturing in accordance with contractual and regulatory obligations Additionally, you will qualify new materials, parts and processes to meet requirements and manage test and audit programs to qualify suppliers to applicable requirements Support engineering design reviews and participate in failure analyses for metallic parts and processes Assist in supplier qualification activities and respond to routine supplier technical inquiries; escalate complex supplier or production issues to senior M&P engineers Perform analyses to characterize performance or determine causes of tool, material, part, or process failures; recommend corrective actions for senior review Coordinate and support lab activities (metallography, hardness, tensile, NDT/NDI) and compile test data for interpretation and disposition Use project management practices to meet cost, technical, and schedule requirements for assigned tasks while incorporating EHS, LEAN, and Quality principles into materials/process work, lab activities, and procedures Support creation and revision of material/process specifications, work instructions, and test plans; ensure alignment with Northrop Grumman and industry requirements Support investigations of non-conformances and supplier deviations; collect evidence, perform basic root-cause analysis, and draft corrective action recommendations Maintain engineering records (test reports, engineering orders) and support configuration control and design reviews as required Communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams and stakeholders Frequent interaction with manufacturing floors, supplier facilities, and testing laboratories Occasional travel to supplier sites, test facilities, and other Northrop Grumman locations may be required Must comply with Northrop Grumman security, health, and safety policies Basic Qualifications: 8 years of Engineering experience with a Bachelor’s of Science in a STEM discipline preferrable in Materials Science and Engineering; 6 years of Material Science and Engineering experience with Masters; 4 Years with a PhD Engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing environments Practical knowledge of metallurgy for ferrous and nonferrous alloys, heat treatment basics, corrosion/fatigue fundamentals, and common materials testing methods Hands-on exposure to metallographic sample preparation and basic lab techniques (cutting, polishing, etching, hardness) 2 years of manufacturing processes (machining, forging, forming, fastening, welding/brazing, plating/coating) and ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications related to metallic materials and processing Active DoD Secret Clearance Ability to work full-time onsite in Woodland Hills Preferred Qualifications Master’s degree in materials science and engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, or polymer engineering PhD in material science or materials engineering Strong desire to mentor and grow employees Expert level first principle engineering knowledge of metals and materials Knowledge of physical and mechanical properties as well as evaluation methods (tensile strength, hardness, fatigue, fracture toughness, creep, stress rupture, SEM, non-destructive inspection, spectroscopy) Detailed knowledge of one or more of the following production processes: forging, casting, forming, coating, plating, heat treating, fusion welding, friction stir welding, EB welding, additive manufacturing, and composite manufacturing Hands-on experience in a high-production manufacturing environment Experience with technical review of materials processing and a sound understanding of the interaction between process variables and the resulting material performance Demonstrated track record of success in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, and highly competitive environment Personality and drive to execute in a scrappy entrepreneurial environment that operates under tight timelines and aggressive schedules Effective written and interpersonal communication skills Capable of interacting with and conveying concepts within all levels of our organization Strong academic foundation coupled with hands on experience This position is contingent upon clearance. Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Cerritos , Sr. Principal Materials and Process Engineer, Engineering , Woodland Hills, California