Materials Engineer Reliability Analysis Lab (RAL)

Job Title: Materials Engineer Reliability Analysis Lab (RAL)

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Dulles, Virginia

Position Type: Full-Time

Organization: Space Systems / Reliability Analysis Lab (RAL)

Position Summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Materials Engineer to join the Reliability Analysis Lab (RAL) in Dulles, Virginia. In this role, you will provide critical materials and failure analysis support for revolutionary space, aerospace, and flight hardware programs. You will utilize advanced laboratory instrumentation to conduct root cause failure analysis, evaluate material characterization, inspect printed wiring boards, and assess structural joints to ensure mission success.

Key Responsibilities

• Root Cause Failure Analysis: Perform detailed failure analysis of flight hardware, electronic assemblies, and structural components to identify primary failure mechanisms, root causes, and corrective actions.

• Materials Characterization: Execute physical, chemical, and metallurgical characterization of engineering materials using analytical tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM), optical microscopes, spectrometers, and X-ray inspection equipment.

• Weld Joint & Structural Evaluation: Perform metallurgical evaluation and weld joint analysis to verify mechanical integrity, penetration, and compliance with engineering standards.

• Electronics & PWB Inspection: Inspect printed wiring boards (PWBs) and solder assemblies for defects, delamination, voiding, or microstructural anomalies.

• Standards Compliance & Testing: Conduct materials testing in accordance with ASTM, ASM, NASA, MIL-STD, and proprietary internal specifications.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Systems Engineering, Integration & Test, and Quality teams to review anomalies, author comprehensive laboratory technical reports, and support design improvements.

Basic Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering , Materials Science, or a related engineering field; OR

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a documented background/coursework in materials.

• Laboratory Proficiency: Hands-on experience operating analytical laboratory equipment, including:

  • Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

  • Optical Microscope / Metallograph

  • Spectroscopy equipment (e.g., EDS, FTIR)

  • X-ray inspection systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Material Knowledge: Demonstrated familiarity with aerospace structural alloys, including aluminum, titanium, and specialty steels.

• Process Knowledge: Understanding of thermal, mechanical, and surface processes such as rolling, forging, heat treatment, welding, and corrosion protection.

• Industry Standards: Practical experience interpreting and applying aerospace and defense industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ASM, NASA-STD, MIL-SPEC/MIL-STD).

• Electronics Packaging: Exposure to microelectronics failure analysis and IPC/MIL criteria for printed circuit and wiring boards.

About Northrop Grumman

At Northrop Grumman, we pioneer revolutionary systems that protect and connect our world. Our team members have been at the forefront of historic technological advancements-from the first flight across the Atlantic to lunar landings and stealth technology. We look for individuals with a pioneering spirit, bold ideas, and dedication to mission success.