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.

An organization within Northrop Grumman's Payload and Ground Systems (PGS) division, SYNOPTICS is the world-wide leader in the growth, fabrication, and coating of crystalline materials used in laser systems. These "solid-state" laser crystals are used in products ranging from medical lasers to military laser systems. The Charlotte facility has been operating for over 40 years in the laser industry and has developed the reputation of providing the highest quality products with timely deliveries. Within the facility, solid-state oxide and fluoride crystals are grown from a high-temperature melt. SYNOPTICS has full optical fabrication capabilities for various plano and spherical geometries. SYNOPTICS serves the photonics and optics industry across the globe.

Learn more about SYNOPTICS at our website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/synoptics/ .

Job Duties:

• Function as process owner preparing, monitoring and analyzing crystal growth. Oversight of process data and daily activities for stations.

• Work in collaboration with operating team to enhance the integrity of crystal growth furnace and equipment readiness/reliability.

• Perform data collection, process control, designed process improvement tests, process documentation and technician training.

• Improve/optimize/standardize crystal growth process and documentation. Report/communicate crystal growth status with downstream departments and management team.

• Analyze and report failure mode for substandard runs to incorporate new learnings and recommend/implement corrective actions.

• Perform hands-on work and collaborate with technicians in trouble-shooting process and equipment issues.

• Master current crystal growth processes and procedures, evaluate existing crystal growth methods, processes, and sequences to optimize operation efficiency including raw material processing, crystal growth control variables, process flow, and crystal growth equipment.

• Lead projects with lean manufacturing concepts and other problem solving methods to improve metrics such as yield and productivity.

• Analyze data in a scientific manner and report progress/issues/deliverables. Work collaboratively with technicians and peer engineers to manage change to functionality for improved reliability, control, automation and safety.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related STEM field with 2 years of associated Engineering experience is required.

• 0 years of relevant experience with Masters' degree within a related STEM discipline.

• Crystal growth or materials processing and synthesis experience with specific knowledge of solidification principles, intrinsic growth defect formation, understanding phase diagrams, and solid-liquid chemistry of oxide systems.

• Strong grasp of engineering principles.

• Must be a self-starter and have excellent analytical skills as well as good verbal and written communication skills.

• Must be a self-starter and have excellent analytical skills as well as good verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MS or PhD is preferred.

• Knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques.

Salary Range: $73,600 - $110,400

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.

Employees may be eligible for 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 committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA 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.