Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced, Principal or Senior Principal Data Scientist to support our Product Support Analytics and Innovation team.
This position is required full-time, in-office. Hybrid scheduling (time split between in-office and work-from-home) may become available depending on future project needs.
This position is located on-site at our facility in Rancho Bernardo, CA.
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 role may be filled at the Principal or 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 obtain and maintain a government Top Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company
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 obtain and maintain a government Top Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company
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.
Current, Active, DoD Top Secret clearance and Special Program Access
At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.
Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.
Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00The 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.Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field
- Principal level: Bachelor's +5 years relevant experience OR Master's +3 years relevant experience
- Sr Principal level: Bachelor's +8 years OR Master's +6 years OR PhD +4 years 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
- Strong programming skills in SQL
- Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and version control (e.g., Git, Docker)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government Top Secret clearance and required program access
- Position is full-time, in-office at Rancho Bernardo, CA
- U.S. Citizenship (required for positions with a government clearance)
- 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 SQLAlchemy, NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, PyTorch
- Familiarity with big data concepts and MLOps
- Current, Active, DoD Top Secret clearance and Special Program Access
- 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.







