Northrop Grumman

Quantum Instrument Engineer / Scientist

Northrop Grumman$108K — $162K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in STEM with relevant experience
  • Hands-on experience in experimental physics or engineering
  • Familiarity with laboratory instruments like oscilloscopes and signal analyzers
  • Skills in aligning and tuning laser systems
  • Ability to build and troubleshoot custom laboratory equipment
  • Knowledge of mechanical design and vacuum systems
  • Strong communication skills and ability to function in a multi-disciplinary team

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the team to tackle complex research problems
  • Support daily operations and improvements of lab equipment
  • Engage in hands-on building and testing of sensors and systems
  • Work in small teams to address sensor and system challenges
  • Contribute to the design and development of new sensors under guidance
  • Relay technical and project status updates to team and management
  • Aid in the preparation of research project details with oversight from the PI

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Travel required approximately 10% of the time
  • Full-time onsite work at Woodland Hills, CA
  • Access to health, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off for vacation and personal business
  • Opportunity for bonuses based on individual contributions
  • Wide-ranging professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: 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 Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems sector is seeking a Quantum Instrument Engineer/Scientist to join our team of qualified individuals. This position is located in Woodland Hills, CA. The qualified applicant will become part of the Northrop Grumman's Advanced Microsystems (AμS) team with a focus on quantum sensing. As a part of this team, you will support both internally funded and externally funded research and development projects. These projects will range from early-stage research through to system level integration and demonstration. This position will also support the pursuit of new funding through outreach to potential customers, technical presentations, and proposal writing.

We are seeking an experimental scientist/engineer with a quantum relevant background and specific training in electrical engineering, signal processing, instrument engineering, or AMO physics with preferred experience in precision measurement experiments and with good hands-on skills and a passionate interest in the development of atomic and quantum sensors and their applications.

What You'll Get to Do:
  • Be a collaborative member of a team solving interesting problems/questions.
  • Assist in the day-to-day operations of equipment and equipment improvements.
  • Work hands-on in the laboratory building, integrating, tuning and testing developmental sensors and systems.
  • Work with small teams of engineers and scientists to solve sensor/system issues.
  • Assist designing and building new sensors/systems under general guidance.
  • Communicate technical and program status information to other members of the team and management chain.
  • Prepare information about the research projects or technical details under general guidance from the Principal Investigator (PI) or technical lead.
  • Continue to learn and expand your technical breadth and depth through self-motivated learning and cross-training within the team.
  • Recognize when technical or programmatic challenges arise and initiate appropriate discussions to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Work with a team to identifying improvements to procedures and hardware/electronics.


This position will be based out of our facility in Woodland Hills, CA. This position requires full-time work onsite with some work travel (offsite testing and demonstrations, as well as customer meetings and conferences).

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with 2 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree in STEM related field.
  • Experience with hands on experimental physics/engineering laboratory work.
  • Familiarity with standard laboratory instrumentation including oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, lock-in amplifiers, laser systems, fiber-optics, digital multi-meters, and or AC/DC sources.
  • Familiarity aligning, tuning, and locking laser systems.
  • Familiarity building and assembling custom laboratory equipment.
  • Familiarity troubleshooting electronics.
  • Familiarity with mechanical design and fabrication.
  • Familiarity with vacuum equipment and ultra-high vacuum system operation.
  • Familiarity working with alkali atoms.
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills and to work on a diverse multi-disciplinary team.
  • A strong ability to learn new topics quickly and independently solve problems in a fast-paced environment.
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance or higher per customers' requirements within a timeframe acceptable to management.
  • Ability to work onsite full-time at our Woodland Hills, CA campus.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in experimental AMO physics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field.
  • Experience with analyzing basic, complex, and large set data, including automation of data analysis.
  • Experience writing and contributing to version-controlled code in Python or MATLAB.
  • Active DoD Secret Clearance
  • A strong background in experimental AMO physics or related technical background.
  • Background knowledge in mechanical, electrical, optical, and/or vacuum system design, fabrication, and operation.
  • Analog electrical engineering skills including new circuit design, fabrication, integration, tuning, and testing.
  • Instrument engineering experience with preferred background in mechanical, optical, magnetic, and vacuum system design with knowledge of underlying physics/engineering principles.
  • Strong Analog/digital signal processing background and experience.
  • Experience designing photon shot-noise limited photo-detector circuits and low noise current drivers for coils and lasers.
  • Experience with standard laboratory instrumentation including oscilloscopes, signal analyzers, lock-in amplifiers, digital multi-meters, and/or AC/DC sources.
  • Excellent hands-on experience and capabilities in the lab.
  • Python and/or MATLAB experience/knowledge or willingness to learn.
  • Data analysis and modeling or willingness to learn.
  • Knowledge with programing in LabView.


What you need to be successful in the role:
  • Motivated to learn new technologies and technical skills.
  • Able to identify problems, analyze data, and course correct experimental plans.
  • Able to collaborate in a small group setting
  • Willing to contribute to R&D discussions and cross-coordinate with other teams to identify, build, complete, and measure the resulting experiments.


Primary Level Salary Range: $108,200.00 - $162,200.00

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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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