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$212.5K

How much do principal materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal materials engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal Materials Engineer job?

A Principal Materials Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for developing, testing, and improving materials used in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. They lead research initiatives, analyze material properties, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Additionally, they collaborate with design and engineering teams to select the best materials for specific applications. Their work is crucial in enhancing product performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Principal Materials Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Materials Engineer, you need deep expertise in materials science, engineering principles, and project management, typically backed by an advanced degree and substantial industry experience. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (like SEM, XRD), simulation software, and relevant certifications (such as Professional Engineer or Six Sigma) is often required. Leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this role. These qualifications are crucial for leading complex projects, ensuring material performance, and driving innovation in highly technical environments.

What are the main challenges that Principal Materials Engineers face in their day-to-day work?

Principal Materials Engineers often tackle complex technical problems that require balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability of materials for new or existing products. They must stay current with emerging technologies and industry standards while managing tight deadlines and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Effective communication is key, as they frequently bridge the gap between research and practical application. While challenging, these aspects make the role dynamic and provide opportunities to solve impactful, real-world engineering problems.

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Principal Materials Engineer jobs near you
Engineer / Principal Engineer Materials and Process

Engineer / Principal Engineer Materials and Process

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Whiteman Air Force Base, MO

$93K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 337 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE 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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Materials and Process Engineer OR Principal Materials and Process Engineer to join our team in Oklahoma City, OK; Palmdale, CA; or Whiteman AFB, MO.

Essential Functions:

  • The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing, researching, and developing materials and their related application processes for use in engineering design of and/or application in structures, systems and subsystems.
  • The candidate will apply principles of chemistry, physics, and material science to investigate material issues and provide solutions.
  • The candidate will work in a team environment with other engineering organization performing detailed technical reviews of drawings, specifications and manufacturing plans.

This position may be filled at either the Materials and Process Engineer or the Principal Materials and Process Engineer level, depending upon the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications for Materials and Process Engineer:

  • Bachelors Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of experience in Aerospace structural design OR an MS degree in STEM with 0 years of related experience
  • Familiar with composite pre-pregs, honeycombs, and adhesive materials; Fabrication, assembly, and repair processes for aircraft composite structures, familiar with metallic materials and processes
  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) (Not needed to start)

Basic Qualifications for Principal Materials and Process Engineer:

  • Bachelors Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of experience in Aerospace structural design OR an MS degree in STEM with 3 years of related experience OR a PhD in STEM with 1 year of related experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret clearance
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) (Not needed to start)
  • Familiar with composite pre-pregs, honeycombs, and adhesive materials; Fabrication, assembly, and repair processes for aircraft composite structures, familiar with metallic materials and processes

Preferred Qualifications for both levels:

  • Experience with working on military aircraft
  • Experience preparing and presenting oral and written reports
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science
  • Experience with material Obsolescence issues and qualifying materials
  • Experience with LO materials
Primary Level Salary Range: $75,100.00 - $137,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $93,300.00 - $171,000.00The 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

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