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Aoa Xinetics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$29K

$57.2K

$114.5K

How much do aoa xinetics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for aoa xinetics in the United States is $57,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an AOA Xinetics job?

An AOA Xinetics job typically involves working on advanced optical and photonics technologies for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications. Employees may specialize in areas such as adaptive optics, precision manufacturing, and electro-optical systems. Roles range from engineering and research to manufacturing and program management. AOA Xinetics, a division of Northrop Grumman, focuses on developing high-performance optical solutions for complex technical challenges.

What types of projects or technologies would I typically work on at AOA Xinetics?

At AOA Xinetics, you will frequently work on cutting-edge projects involving the design and fabrication of precision optical and photonic components for applications in aerospace, defense, and advanced scientific research. Typical tasks may include assembling and testing adaptive optics systems, laser stabilization modules, or high-performance mirrors. You’ll collaborate closely with engineers, scientists, and technicians in a team-oriented environment, often requiring innovative problem-solving to meet demanding technical specifications. The role offers exposure to advanced manufacturing methods and provides opportunities to expand expertise in both hands-on and theoretical aspects of optical engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the AOA Xinetics position, and why are they important?

To thrive at AOA Xinetics (often referring to employees at Northrop Grumman's AOA Xinetics, specializing in advanced optical and photonic systems), candidates typically need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, or a related technical field along with relevant industry experience. Familiarity with optical design software such as Zemax or Code V, as well as experience working with interferometers, lasers, and adaptive optics systems, is highly valued. Effective problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills are essential for working on complex multi-disciplinary projects. These abilities ensure excellence in developing precision optical solutions for defense, aerospace, and scientific applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aoa Xinetics jobs?

The most popular types of Aoa Xinetics jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Aoa Xinetics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Aoa Xinetics jobs are:

Infographic showing various Aoa Xinetics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,195 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Senior Principal Research Scientist

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Devens, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Adaptive Optics Associates - Xinetics (AOA Xinetics), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP), is currently seeking a Senior Principal Ceramic Materials Scientist to support our Xinetics program activities in Devens, MA.

AOA Xinetics (AOX) designs, develops, and manufactures advanced optical products and systems such as deformable mirrors, optical systems, adaptive optics control systems and silicon carbide optical structures for the U.S. Government, commercial customers, and U.S. defense prime and second-tier contractors. Markets for these technologies include terrestrial and space-based astronomy, semiconductor manufacturing, energy generation, Defense ISR, and Directed Energy. Xinetics program core technologies include Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN) electrostrictive actuators and lightweight CeraprintTM silicon carbide optics and precision structures

Learn more about AOX at https://www.northropgrumman.com/who-we-are/aoa-xinetics

Overview

The Ceramic Materials Scientist will apply knowledge and hands-on experience with synthesis, processing, and characterization of ceramic materials and devices used in various environments. You will lead or support ceramics research efforts through formulation development and materials fabrication, and execution of test procedures and data analysis for the advancement of functional and structural ceramics used in AOX's products. You will also support the strategy for our team, whose efforts are applied to solving our customer's critical materials challenges. Our ideal candidate will foster a collaborative environment with world-class expertise.

Role and Responsibilities:

  • Carry out materials research and development in support of evolving requirements including formulating and synthesizing ceramic materials, designing experiments, and characterizing properties of materials and systems
  • Analyze data and interpret results, including automating routine data analysis calculations
  • Document technical work in detail and present to internal and external stakeholders
  • Contribute to white papers, proposals, and sponsor briefings
  • Support for root cause analysis and quick resolution of manufacturing line stops and other critical production activities
  • Collaborative work with other engineering organizations, program management, factory operations, global supply chain, and quality

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS in Materials Science, Ceramic Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or other related field
  • Nine years experience with synthesis, processing, and/or characterization of ferroelectric materials, OR 7 years experience with a master's degree, OR 4 years experience with a PhD
  • Understanding of various characterization and analytical methods such as: XRD, EDS, SEM, PSD, TGA, FTIR, GC/MS, etc.
  • Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines in addition to materials science
  • Proficient in MS Office and MS Project
  • Ability to work independently, exercising good technical judgment to solve problems
  • Strong record of successful teamwork
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Willing and able to perform work in a laboratory setting, and travel for testing, sponsor visits, conference attendance, and presentations
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance
  • US Citizenship is a requirement for employment

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in Materials Science, Ceramics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field
  • Experience with Lead Magnesium Niobate (PMN) material and electrostrictive actuators
  • Over 10 years of direct electro-ceramic research and process development
  • Experience in ceramic manufacturing
  • Experience in transitioning successful research projects to production
  • Understanding of and/or ability to conduct, recommend and review multi-discipline analyses (e.g. ANSYS FEM, PSpice circuit analysis, COMSOL Multi Physics, etc.)
  • Expert in the use of scientific numerical / analysis packages (e.g. MATLAB, Mathematica, etc.)
  • Active Secret or Top-Secret Clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939