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Staff Research Development Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Posted today
Top Secret/SCI
$177,000 - $265,600
Polygraph
IT - Software
Chantilly, VA (On-Site/Office)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE TYPE: Polygraph

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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions in today's rapidly changing global security environments. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought-leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Staff Research Development Engineer for a team of qualified, diverse individuals in Northern Virginia. The selected candidates will be responsible for executing strong research, design, test, and evaluation, as well as prototype and development/fabrication of the resulting specialized products for military applications. They will provide technical expertise and consultation on a variety of material issues, including material selection, supply chain support, troubleshooting, prototyping, production, and operations and maintenance of lab equipment.

What qualifications needed to be considered:
  • An active TS/SCI with current Polygraph is required to be considered.
  • Bachelor's degree plus 12 years of related experience (or 4 years of additional experience in lieu of degree), 10 years of related experience with a Master's degree, or 8 years of experience with a PhD) in one or more of the following areas:
  • Digital design, high-resolution 3D modeling and sculpting
  • Photogrammetric and laser scanning
  • Laser engraving
  • Texturing and painting
  • Prototyping and production
  • Upholstery and textile construction
  • Demonstrated ability in any combination of the below capabilities:
  • Working with 3D models across multiple applications (e.g., ZBrush, Maya, Substance Painter, Rhino, Artec Studio 16, and Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator and Photoshop).
  • Experience managing multiple SubTools, managing topology with Dynamesh and Zremesher, creating custom alphas for textures and brushes, and working with UV Master.
  • Applying an understanding of lighting, color, material, orientation, depth, visual perspective, and composition, including a good feeling for proportions.
  • Working with specialized machinery and equipment such as grinders, drills, presses, saws, cutters, sealers, sergers, and related computer-aided drawing software.
  • Working with various materials and textile weights (e.g., nylon, silk, polyblend, denim, knit, heavy canvas, leather) and installing grommets, zippers, snaps, and other fasteners.
  • Understanding of musculoskeletal function, assistive devices, medical prosthetics/fittings, and related equipment.
  • Experience with structure and composition of a variety of materials and mediums such as adhesives, acrylics, plastics, solvents, epoxies, urethanes, and silicones, along with materials handling and safety within a production facility.
  • Experience applying SFX makeup and hair, and creating realistic wounds, scars, etc.
  • Experience with hair implantation and ventilation techniques.
  • Ability to implant hair into traditional and non-traditional materials.
  • Experience with hair specific adhesives.
  • Experience working with human, yak and synthetic hair
  • Familiarity with standard methods of measuring and fitting wigs
  • Ability to hand-tie wigs on lace as well as on 4-way stretch or flexible substrates
  • Ability to replicate various hair styles, colors and lengths using human and/or synthetic hair
  • Ability to replicate facial hair (beards, moustaches, sideburns, etc.) using accepted techniques and materials
  • Ability to document instructions and plans for execution of fabrication, assembly, and testing.


Preferred Qualifications include:
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills to present data and recommendations to internal and external customers.
  • Ability to coordinate and schedule work through multiple organizations, considering interdepartmental dependencies and multiple projects, to meet deadlines.
  • Able to give and receive constructive feedback of co-worker and/or a team's work
  • Willingness to learn and keep current with new products, materials, software, and techniques.


Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00

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.
group id: 10122071

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About Us
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines. © 2025 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.
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Northrop Grumman Jobs


Job Category
IT - Software
Clearance Level
Top Secret/SCI