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2026 Research Scientist Intern - Manhattan Beach CA

Northrop Grumman

Posted today
Secret
Unspecified
None
Manhattan Beach, CA (On-Site/Office)

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

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.

Northrop Grumman is a space pioneer, supporting government, civil and commercial customers in solving their biggest challenges. Our forward-leaning, innovative spirit is backed by a legacy of expertise that began at the dawn of the space age. Our mission experience in space runs deep, we know our customers well, and our capabilities are unmatched. This is what allows us to provide reliable, agile and affordable space solutions to best serve our customers.

From defending freedom to advancing human discovery, we are defining what is possible in space every day.

An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you'll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you'll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you've done. Join us and launch your career. We'll support you with training, employee resource groups, and our shared vision of global security.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking a Research Scientist - Intern, reporting to the Research Laboratories department within Engineering West. This position will be in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Research scientists' responsibilities include the planning, prioritization, and execution of foundational research to advance the frontier of discovery in aerospace science and technology. Science staff are called upon to act as research principal investigators, as well as to support their peers through mutual collaboration on multidisciplinary projects and to transition emerging research into applied technology development.

In this role, the selected candidate will be expected to:
  • Perform impactful original research with a significant degree of autonomy and communicate results in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences.
  • Create and leverage strategic collaborations with partner organizations such as universities, consortia, industrial suppliers, and national labs.
  • Collaborate with peers on major research thrusts and multidisciplinary projects, with the flexibility to take on diverse roles such as contributor, consulting expert, and principal investigator.
  • Generate intellectual property and transition emerging research into technological discriminators for NGSP, enabling breakthrough capabilities for USG missions
  • Under consultation with Research Laboratories leadership, develop and communicate a multi-year vision for basic research, with regular analysis of alternative courses of action and risk/reward scenarios


Basic Qualifications

A candidate must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:
  • Be a student who is enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university and will be enrolled full time in Fall 2026
  • Be majoring in Applied Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering or closely related field from an accredited university with at least 2 years of work experience in field
  • Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2026.
  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite) as well as Program Special access within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficiency with thermal analysis software such as SINDA, TSS, or Thermal Desktop.
  • Familiarity with two-phase flow fundamentals and heat-pipe operation.
  • Knowledge of advanced thermal materials (MLI, coatings, thermal doublers).
  • Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.00/4.0 or higher
  • Previous internship/co-op experience, leadership & teamwork capabilities, interpersonal communication skills, and activities (professional/community/extracurricular).
  • Self-motivation, willingness to learn, and interest in working in a team environment.


Intern Pay Range:

Bachelor's: $20.50 to $38.00 per hour

Master's: $29.75 to $46.75 per hour

At Northrop Grumman, our internship pay rates are standardized and take into account three main factors: the anticipated graduation date of the individual, the cost of labor of the geographic location, and whether the internship is considered technical or administrative.

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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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