Research Scientist - 3 / 4
Northrop Grumman· Defense· Sep 29, 2026 · 28d ago
United States-Utah-Corinne
In office
Full-time
Senior
$150K–$200K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
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.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Principal / Sr. Principal Research Scientist – Levels 3–4 located in Promontory, UT, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.
The Principal / Sr. Principal Research Scientist will work in a research and development analytical laboratory and is responsible for executing strong research and problem-solving capability in an R&D and production support organization. This individual will provide technical expertise and consultation on a variety of chemistry and materials science issues, with a focus on chromatography and spectrometry. This person will be responsible for communicating the chemistry and behavior of materials to internal and external customers, recommending appropriate analytical approaches to answer a wide range of technical questions, and collaborating with a team of scientists to identify the best ways to support customers and programs. Experience with ICP spectrometry (e.g., ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS) is strongly desired.
This position may work a 9/80 or 4/10 schedule, with every other Friday off for 9/80 schedules.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Serve as a chromatography/spectrometry subject-matter expert for an R&D analytical laboratory
• Develop, validate, and optimize analytical methods using chromatographic and spectrometric techniques, including ICP spectrometry
• Troubleshoot analytical instruments and methods to ensure high-quality, reliable data
• Apply a deep understanding of chemistry to interpret data and solve complex materials and process problems
• Perform a combination of research-oriented studies and routine analytical testing to support development and production programs
• Communicate complex chemistry and analytical results in a clear, concise manner to technical and non-technical customers
• Prepare and present data, conclusions, and recommendations to internal and external customers
• Review and critique scientific reports, test plans, and technical documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Coordinate and schedule analytical work through multiple organizations and laboratories
Why you? You’re the candidate we’re searching for if you are ready to achieve the impossible alongside like-minded innovators.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications – Principal Research Scientist (T3):
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other closely related field with 5 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of professional experience
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and experience conducting experiments in an analytical laboratory environment
• Hands-on experience with chromatography and/or spectrometry instrumentation and data analysis (ICP experience strongly preferred)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain analytical results and underlying chemistry to diverse stakeholders
Basic Qualifications – Sr. Principal Research Scientist (T4):
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry or other closely related field with 8 years of professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 years of professional experience
• Strong background in chemistry with demonstrated experience applying analytical techniques to solve complex technical problems
• Demonstrated experience leading analytical investigations, method development, or cross-functional technical efforts
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and experience conducting experiments in an analytical laboratory environment
• Hands-on experience with chromatography and/or spectrometry instrumentation and data analysis (ICP experience strongly preferred)
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain analytical results and underlying chemistry to diverse stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with energetic material testing or analysis
• Advanced degree in Chemistry or a closely related field
• Deep understanding of chromatography (e.g., HPLC, GC) and spectrometry (e.g., ICP, mass spectrometry)
• FTIR experience is a plus
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining analytical instruments and associated software
• Experience reviewing and authoring scientific reports and technical documentation
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Benefits
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Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off