Principal / Sr. Principal Data Scientist – Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Principal Data Scientist to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in Melbourne, Fl. This position is required full-time, in-office. There is no option for remote or hybrid work arrangements.
AccomplishWe are seeking a first-principles thinker and skilled data scientist to solve complex data challenges. This is not a role for operating pre-built tools; this is an opportunity to architect and build the core data logic of our systems. You will be responsible for creating custom, high-performance statistics and machine learning tools from the ground up, making meaning of complex data sets. Your work will involve deep data modeling, abstracting reusable patterns, and writing modular, maintainable code that stands the test of time.
Essential Functions:
Collaborate closely with software engineers, analysts, and other data scientists to understand data requirements and deliver robust, integrated solutions.
Architect and develop custom, maintainable data science solutions from the ground up.
Write and maintain tests and documentation for data architecture, workflows, and processes.
Champion software engineering best practices within the data domain, including comprehensive unit/integration testing, CI/CD automation (Git, Docker), and robust documentation.
Tune and optimize complex algorithms within our on-premise infrastructure.
The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.
**This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Level or a Sr. Principal Level**
Basic Qualifications for a Principal Data Scientist:
Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, OR Master of Science degree in relevant fields with 3 years of relevant experience.
Deep understanding of Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Recent professional experience in software development and/or data engineering.
Strong programming skills in Python and SQL.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and version control (e.g., Git, Docker, etc.)
Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance, and any program access (es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company. Active In Scope Top Secret Clearance required to start.
Basic Qualifications for a Sr Principal Data Scientist:
Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, OR Master of Science degree in relevant fields with 6 years of relevant experience, OR PhD/Doctorate degree in relevant fields with 4 years of relevant experience.
Deep understanding of Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Recent professional experience in software development and/or data engineering.
Strong programming skills in Python and SQL.
Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and version control (e.g., Git, Docker, etc.)
Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance, and any program access (es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company. Active In Scope Top Secret Clearance required to start.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree or higher, in Data Science or related discipline.
7 years of experience in software development.
Experience with C/C++.
Experience with machine learning pipelines and data science workflows.
Familiarity with SQL Alchemy, Numpy, Pandas, SKLearn, PyTorch.
Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex data queries and workflows.
Familiarity with big data concepts, machine learning pipelines, and MLOps.
Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize across the entire data stack.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field with minimum of 5 years relevant experience (or MS with 3 years)
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field with minimum of 8 years relevant experience (or MS with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years)
- Deep understanding of Machine Learning and Deep Learning
- Recent professional experience in software development and/or data engineering
- Strong programming skills in Python and SQL
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and version control (e.g., Git, Docker)
- Active in-scope Top Secret clearance required to start; ability to transfer and maintain final adjudicated Top Secret clearance
- Master's degree or higher in Data Science or related discipline
- 7 years of experience in software development
- Experience with C/C++
- Familiarity with SQLAlchemy, NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch
- Familiarity with big data concepts, machine learning pipelines, and MLOps
- Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex data queries and workflows
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.






