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Senior Principal Research Scientist Jobs in Utah

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Senior Principal Research Scientist information

See Utah salary details

$62.4K

$131.1K

$173.4K

How much do senior principal research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal research scientist in Utah is $131,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $153,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Principal Research Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Research Scientist, you need an advanced degree (typically a Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific field, extensive research experience, and a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications. Proficiency with specialized laboratory equipment, data analysis software (such as MATLAB or R), and familiarity with compliance standards like GLP/GCP are commonly required. Strong leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for driving innovative research, leading teams, and securing funding in a competitive research environment.

How does a Senior Principal Research Scientist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive research projects forward?

Senior Principal Research Scientists often work closely with interdisciplinary teams, including junior researchers, engineers, product managers, and external collaborators. They provide scientific leadership, guide experimental design, and ensure that research aligns with broader organizational goals. Effective communication and mentorship are key, as they translate complex findings for diverse audiences and help shape the direction of collaborative projects. This collaborative approach not only accelerates innovation but also fosters a culture of shared learning and discovery.

What is a Senior Principal Research Scientist?

A Senior Principal Research Scientist is an advanced-level research professional who leads complex research projects, often in academic, industrial, or government settings. They are responsible for designing experiments, supervising research teams, securing funding, and publishing findings in reputable journals. These scientists typically have extensive experience and expertise in their field, and they often mentor junior researchers and contribute to strategic planning within their organizations. Their work drives innovation, advances scientific knowledge, and influences industry practices or policy.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Research Scientist vs Principal Research Scientist?

AspectSenior Principal Research ScientistPrincipal Research Scientist
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD), extensive research experience, often with publicationsSimilar educational background, strong research record, and industry expertise
Work EnvironmentLeading research projects, mentoring teams, strategic planningConducting independent research, collaborating across teams, publishing findings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large tech, pharma, and R&D organizations for senior research rolesCommon in similar industries, often a step below Senior Principal

The main difference lies in the seniority and scope of responsibilities. Senior Principal Research Scientists typically lead larger projects, mentor junior staff, and influence strategic decisions, whereas Principal Research Scientists focus more on independent research and technical contributions. Both roles require advanced credentials and industry experience, but the Senior Principal position emphasizes leadership and strategic impact.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Principal Research Scientist jobs in Utah? For Senior Principal Research Scientist jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Research Scientist job openings in Utah as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,102 per year, or $63 per hour.
Principal/Sr. Research Scientist Level 3/4

Principal/Sr. Research Scientist Level 3/4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Clearfield, UT

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal/Sr. Principal Research Engineer Level 3/4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Clearfield, UT. Our Research team works to support process development and automation of composite aerospace structures. We engineer the latest composite structures for military/commercial aircraft and launch structures and are leaders in next-generation composite development. We operate as principal investigators over Internal Research and Development (IRAD), Process Service (PS), and Customer Research and Development (CRAD) projects and production support, with responsible technical development as well as management of schedules and budgets. Would you like to work on the cutting edge of aerospace? Come join our team!

This specific role will require the capacity for high level understanding of composite materials including advanced resin systems, fiber reinforcements, prepregs, film adhesives, surface science, bond preparation, part bagging, autoclave/oven curing and general material science. Expected to work collaboratively with a research and development team across the site and sector for new composite manufacturing related innovations and troubleshooting of current processes. High competence with diagnostic and analytical techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology and SEM is also very desirable.

We work 9/80 work week, which gives us every other Friday off to pursue passions outside the office. Travel varies with each project, but typically for a Principal/Sr. Principal Engineer will travel 10%, and primarily within the continental US. We work with our team to try and allocate travel responsibilities to those who are able and enjoy travel. Northrop Grumman offers a full suite of benefits to our employees.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop processes and optimize material solutions for pilot scale fabrication of complex composite materials. Plan and execute the transition to production scale manufacturing and assist in defining equipment and floor plan needs.
  • Develop new material systems that are amenable to additive manufacturing, fiber placement and other automated composite fabrication techniques.
  • Solve technical issues using root cause methodologies based on underlying scientific principals and an understanding of chemical processes
  • Identify and develop technical solutions that meet IRAD and Process Service project goals
  • Provide technical decisions and recommendations based on data and project outcomes
  • Lead development efforts to reduce cost, increase process efficiency, and ensure consistent quality in support of current and future programs
  • Work with internal and external partners to champion and ensure success of R&D projects
  • Act as principal investigator on selected new proposals and projects
  • Manage execution of the project requirements to cost and schedule objectives
  • Foster an environment of cooperation and teamwork within the Process and Technology Development team

This role may be filled at a Principal/Sr. Principal Research Engineer level 3/4 depending on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications:

Principal Research Engineer Level 3:

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 4 years of engineering experience or Masters in a STEM field and 3 years of engineering experience; OR PhD in STEM with 0 years of experience.
  • Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)

Sr. Principal Research Engineer Level 4:

  • Bachelor's Degree in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) and 8 years of engineering experience; or Masters in a STEM field with 6 years of engineering experience; OR PhD in STEM with 4 years of experience
  • Material and Process Engineering experience in composite material
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Clearance
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Aerospace composite machining methods
  • Active U.S Government Clearance
  • Proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Statistical analysis methods
  • Ability to author, modify and audit work procedures
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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