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Mechanical

Ceramics Matrix Composite Materials & Process Engineer Level 2 or Level 3

Northrop Grumman logoNorthrop Grumman$83,400–$125,200/yrSan Diego, CA, United StatesFull-timePosted 1mo ago

This posting asks for U.S. citizenship. It also names a Top Secret clearance.

The posting offers relocation. More space jobs with relocation

About the role

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.

Northrop Grumman Space Sector has an opening for a Ceramics Matrix Composite (CMC) Materials & Process Engineer Level 2 or Level 3to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be located in San Diego, California.

This position can be filled at a level 2 or level 3.

As the CMC Materials & Process Engineer you will play a key role in developing and optimizing advanced ceramic materials and manufacturing processes for aerospace and space hardware. You will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material behavior to define materials, processes, and assembly specifications; develop and validate material properties and design allowables; and support production through hands‑on engagement with the shop floor.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following

  • Review of down-flowed engineering process requirements to ensure applicability to part type and manufacturing methods.
  • Document, implement, and train manufacturing teams on new processes, and establish and monitor SPC methodologies to ensure stable, high‑quality production.
  • Establishment of ‘lessons learned’ evaluation of projects and implementation of such lessons into future programs. Development and refinement of manufacturing tools.
  • Support for Cause and Corrective Action (C/CA) activities.
  • Design of Experiments (DOE) activities for manufacturing efficiency and quality improvement. Validation and qualification of new equipment.
  • Review and approval of engineering documentation including Manufacturing Work Instructions, Drawings, Specifications.
  • Creation and updates to material and process specifications.
  • Creation and administration of material test programs.
  • Support and troubleshooting of manufacturing shop floor activities.

Basic Qualifications Level 2

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with Two (2) years of engineering experience
  • Fluency in MS Office software applications
  • Working knowledge of ceramic matrix composite processing
  • Prior experience in an Aerospace or Space hardware manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Basic Qualifications Level 3

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline with Five (5) years of engineering experience
  • Fluency in MS Office software applications
  • Working knowledge of ceramic matrix composite processing
  • Prior experience in an Aerospace or Space hardware manufacturing environment
  • Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering with Ceramic Matrix composite specialization
  • Hands on experience in CMC fabrication
  • Familiarity with oxide and non-oxide ceramic processing
  • Prior experience in an aerospace or space hardware manufacturing or development environment.
  • Demonstrated analytical approach to problem solving and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with analytical material test methods.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing, inventory, production, procurement, quality and engineering flows
  • Leadership capability in group/team environment
  • Familiarity with vacuum bagging and autoclave/oven techniques/equipment
  • Active Top Secret and SCI clearances

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

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Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

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.

Copied from the listing Northrop Grumman published, verified 31 Oct 2026.

About Northrop Grumman

Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.

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