Staff Computational Physicist
Linthicum Heights, MD, 21146, USA
- Engineering
- Full-time
- computational physicist
- superconductivity modeling
- quantum mechanics simulation
The Staff Computational Physicist at Northrop Grumman develops and validates advanced computational models and simulations related to superconductivity and quantum mechanics. The role involves mentoring junior staff, collaborating with scientists and engineers, and communicating technical progress to leadership. Candidates require a PhD in a STEM field, significant experience in physics-based modeling, and must be U.S. citizens able to obtain government security clearance.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered by providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
As a Sr. Staff Computational Physicist, you will assist in mentoring our more junior staff while also engaging with other subject matter experts on developing algorithms, codes, and analytical tools to numerically solve complex mathematical models of physical phenomena related to superconductivity.
Your responsibilities:
- Incorporate input from the scientific computing team on code development, testing, and validation of simulation tools, as well as creation of model pipelines or workflows.
- Communicate iteratively and regularly with the simulation team, physicists, engineers, and organizational leadership to determine development requirements and report on progress.
- Develop physics-based mathematical models and/or improve upon existing models for the accurate description of superconductivity, electromagnetism, and quantum-mechanical systems.
- Document methods and results in technical papers and presentations; document code for users and other developers.
What you need to be successful in the role:
The ideal candidate is proficient with state-of-the-art scientific computing methods, experience in joint experimental-theory collaborations, and experience with models of superconductivity. Strong candidates demonstrate scientific curiosity and are excited to participate in the evolution of new technologies and can effectively communicate their own knowledge to others.
- Innovative problem-solving skills.
- Motivation to learn new technologies and technical skills necessary to advance them.
- Ability to collaborate in a small group setting as well as work independently.
- Interdisciplinary communication skills.
This position requires 100% work on site at our Linthicum, MD location and/or our Annapolis Junction, MD location.
Basic Qualifications:
- PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or related STEM related field with 8 years of relevant technical experience
- Significant knowledge of multiscale modeling approaches and/or multi-physics simulations.
- Significant knowledge of superconducting physics, quantum mechanics, or condensed matter physics.
- Significant knowledge of DFT simulations of materials and interfaces.
- Experience with physics-based modeling and simulation.
- This position requires the applicant to be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance per business requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering.
- Experience modeling electron-phonon interactions.
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulations of thin film growth and ordering.
- Active U.S. Government security clearance.




