We are the premier advanced propulsion manufacturing facility offering tip to tail capabilities in one campus.
Northrop Grumman in Elkton, Maryland
We are the premier advanced propulsion manufacturing facility offering tip to tail capabilities in one campus.
Defining Possible in Elkton, Maryland
Northrop Grumman’s Propulsion Systems & Controls (PS&C) Operating Unit is on a 550-acre campus in Elkton, Maryland. PS&C is the premier advanced propulsion provider for hypersonic, missile defense and space systems, and strategic programs. Our facility began solid-propellant rocket operations in 1948. Today, our facility designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion systems for a wide variety of Government and commercial customers, and is home to the Hypersonics Capability Center. PS&C’s Elkton plant is where the advanced propulsion manufacturing, development and testing for products such as high performance solid propellant boosters and controllable propulsion, hypersonic ramjet and scramjet propulsion, and electronic subsystems for thrust vectoring and attitude control systems occurs. The facility also serves as the hub for offsite engineering and test facilities in Ronkonkoma, NY and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
- Elkton, Maryland – Designs, develops, and produces solid-propellant propulsion systems for a wide variety of Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial applications.
- Ronkonkoma, New York – Aerothermal research and test complex specializing in advanced development and validations of supersonic and hypersonic systems by providing a variety of test services at high enthalpy conditions.
- Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – Air-breathing propulsion center of excellence specializing in the design, analysis and system integration of ramjets, scramjets and other advanced air-breathing propulsion systems.
Meet & Greet
Come and meet with our program managers and business leaders in a casual environment. You’ll find out about our new Elkton site and learn about our job openings for Operators and Engineers.
- Address: Mick’s Crab House; 902 E. Pulaski Hwy, Elkton, MD 21921
- Date and Time: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST
Discover what happens behind the scenes:
- Hear more about our cutting-edge Hypersonics Capability Center.
- Learn about the intricate design, development, and production of solid-propellant propulsion systems for diverse Government and commercial applications.
- Delve into advanced propulsion manufacturing, development, and testing for high-performance solid propellant boosters, controllable propulsion, hypersonic ramjet and scramjet propulsion, and electronic subsystems for thrust vectoring and attitude control systems.
Launch into the future of advanced propulsion with us.
Explore Career Opportunities within PS&C
Hypersonics
Flying faster than a mile a second, facing scorching 2,000°F temperatures, all while maneuvering throughout flight, hypersonic missiles test the limits of possible.
We’re at the forefront of innovation, tackling seemingly impossible challenges to help create new classes of strategically important propulsion systems for our nation. With industry leading ramjets, scramjets and boosters, advanced materials, and full life-cycle development, we are leading the way for faster, more survivable, highly capable hypersonic weapons.
Learn More
Aerothermal Research and Test Facilities
Northrop Grumman’s aerothermal research and test complex, located in Ronkonkoma, New York, specializes in advanced development and validation of supersonic and hypersonic systems. Equipped with five primary test cells, the facilities offer blow down testing at enthalpy matched conditions up to Mach 8.
SM-3 Third Stage Rocket Motor (TSRM)
The TSRM is a dual-pulse propulsion system with thrust vector control and an integral attitude control system. This unique combination of subsystems provides the SM-3 with the flexibility to address a broad range of threats and helps to minimize endgame maneuvering by the kinetic warhead.
Learn MoreAttitude Control Motor
ACM, controllable solid rocket motor, will help astronauts quickly and safely escape emergency situations. The ACM also orients the capsule for parachute deployment once the crew module is clear of all hazards.
Mars Ascent Propulsion System
Northrop Grumman was selected by NASA to provide solid propulsion systems and controls for NASA’s Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). The MAV will be launched to Mars in 2026 along with a “fetch” rover that will collect soil and rock samples prepared by NASA’s Perseverance rover, which launched in July 2020 and landed on Mars Feb. 18.
Why Work in Elkton?
Elkton, Maryland, is located on the Upper Chesapeake Bay, only 40 minutes from Philadelphia and 60 minutes from Baltimore. Charming small towns with parks and miles of trails, shops, award winning restaurants, and inns are all in close proximity. Elkton is known for its access to hike, bike, camp, bird watch, ride horseback and fish. Five rivers, Chesapeake Bay and the C&D Canal can be explored by boat or by land.
I am so thankful that my first job after graduating college was at Northrop Grumman’s Elkton facility. Working at Elkton has allowed me to be a part of all aspects of the engineering lifecycle from developing manufacturing processes to supporting the full-rate production of solid-propellant propulsion and ordnance systems. Each day we are defining possible by overcoming challenges and maintaining high quality standards. I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from many talented people in a wide variety of roles who have supported, encouraged, and guided me along the way. Working together towards a common goal of supporting our military gives us all a sense of pride in what we do.
Why Join Northrop Grumman?
Northrop Grumman employees are Defining Possible every day through science, technology and engineering. We are 95,000 people – with careers in all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – working as one to defend and define the future.
Work/Life Balance
Many sites have 9/80 days, telework and flexible scheduling options, plus generous paid time off. Indeed named Northrop Grumman a top 10 company for work/life balance in 2018.
Who We Are
Ranked on DiversityInc's annual list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity since 2010, we recruit top talent with traditional and non-traditional backgrounds to ensure our teams are skilled, focused and innovative.
Worldwide
We have 100,000 employees in all 50 states in the US and 21 countries worldwide.
Extensive Benefits
We offer an array of benefits to give you the support you need, including matching 401K, tuition assistance, health insurance and wellness options, coaching, mentoring and more.
In the Community
From the environment to STEM education to philanthropy, we're committed to the community. We encourage and enable our employees to volunteer in meaningful activities with lasting impact.
Awards
Our employees’ commitment to quality combined with our leadership’s commitment to workplace environment and diversity has resulted in many significant accolades.
Life at Northrop Grumman
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.
The unique work environment at Northrop Grumman includes these important elements: creativity, collaboration, agility, and busting through silos and barriers. We operate across domains, disciplines, and national boundaries. Our teams rapidly deliver capabilities to our warfighters to defend our nation and our allies.
Explore life at Northrop GrummanTop banner photo credit: Aaron Harrington