Materials and Process Engineer – Level 3 or Level 4
- US citizenship
- Secret clearance
How this pay compares
This posting states $104k–$155k a year. Open materials engineer jobs in California post a median of $153k a year, the middle half $127k–$170k, across 26 jobs that state their pay, so this one is within the middle half of what they post.
Materials engineers and chemists in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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’s Space Sector is seeking a Materials and Process Engineer – Level 3 or Level 4 to join our team in Manhattan Beach, CA.
This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
This position is contingent upon capturing program award(s), obtaining and maintaining customer funding, and holding final clearances (if applicable) prior to start date The Materials and Process Engineer – Printed Wiring Board (PWB) should have experience with materials selection, drawings, PWB fabrication processes, design producibility, test procedures and qualification of PWBs.
Will collaborate closely with PWB Subject Matter Experts, PWB suppliers, procurement, design, manufacturing, and quality engineers as well as functional management. ## Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following - Multi-task and have a good understanding of materials and processes (M&P) used in the design and fabrication of High-Reliability Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs). - Have a good understanding of the industry specifications used for design and fabrication of rigid and flex PWBs including IPC-6011, IPC-6012, IPC-6013, and IPC-6018 among others. - Review test reports for compliance to IPC specifications and internal requirements. - Participate in design reviews, program reviews, vendor qualification, failure analysis, trade studies and qualification review boards in support of PWB related issues. - Take ownership of tasks, oversee delegated tasks, check results for accuracy and document the results. - Formulate detailed instructions/test plans for qualification of new PWB designs and be the lead in their execution with a proven understanding of data analysis methodologies and knowledge of design and manufacturing processes. - Other duties as assigned Please be aware that this position will be contingent upon capturing program award(s), obtaining and maintaining customer funding, and holding final clearances (if applicable) prior to start date.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4. ## Basic Qualifications for Level 3 - Bachelor’s degree in a STEM 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 Top-Secret security clearance - Broad knowledge of M&P used in the design and fabrication of PWBs. - Experience with materials selection, drawings and qualifications of PWBs. - Familiarity with IPC-6012, IPC-6012, and IPC-6018 - Proven experience developing and executing test plans for analysis and qualification of PWBs, materials, and processes. - Proven leadership experience on a project and/or team. ## Basic Qualifications for Level 4 - Bachelor’s degree in a STEM 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. - Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.
Government Top-Secret security clearance - Broad knowledge of M&P used in the design and fabrication of PWBs. - Experience with materials selection, drawings and qualifications of PWBs. - Familiarity with IPC-6012, IPC-6012, and IPC-6018 - Proven experience developing and executing test plans for analysis and qualification of PWBs, materials, and processes. - Proven leadership experience on a project and/or team. ## Preferred Qualifications: - Master's degree in STEM - Knowledge of electronics design and Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) processes is a plus. - Experience with design and manufacturing of Hi-Rel PWBs (Rigid, RF and Flex) for space applications - Knowledge of PWB design, fabrication and PWB vendor oversight - Active, In scope DoD Top Secret or SCI clearance ## 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 Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 Secondary 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.
From Northrop Grumman's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Northrop Grumman
Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.
Pay on its listings: 98% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Northrop Grumman's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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