Principal / Sr. Principal Data Scientist – ML and Predictive Analytics

Northrop Grumman•San Diego, CA

1d•$125,300 - $234,600•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Principal or Senior Principal Data Scientist to support its Product Support Analytics and Innovation team. This full-time, in-office role is based at the company’s Rancho Bernardo, California facility. Hybrid scheduling may become available depending on future project needs. The role involves architecting and building custom, high-performance statistics and machine-learning tools rather than operating pre-built tools. The successful candidate will model complex data, develop reusable patterns, and write modular, maintainable code, while tuning algorithms for on-premise infrastructure. Travel is 25% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. The position may be filled at either the Principal or Senior Principal level. Principal-level candidates need a STEM bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience, or a STEM master’s degree and at least three years. Senior Principal candidates need a STEM bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of relevant experience, a STEM master’s degree and at least six years, or a STEM doctorate and at least four years. Both levels require deep knowledge of machine learning and deep learning, recent software development and/or data engineering experience, strong Python and SQL skills, familiarity with CI/CD and version control, and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program access. The company offers flexible work arrangements, learning opportunities, exposure to varied projects and customers, and a team environment. Benefits include retirement and savings plans, medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, company-paid holidays, and paid time off. Salary ranges are $125,300–$187,900 for the primary level and $156,400–$234,600 for the secondary level. Depending on the position, employees may also be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses.

Requirements

For the Principal level: STEM bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience, or STEM master’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience.
For the Senior Principal level: STEM bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience, STEM master’s degree and at least 6 years, or STEM doctorate and at least 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, such as Git and Docker.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program access within a reasonable time as determined by business needs.
U.S. citizenship is required for positions requiring government clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher in Data Science or a related discipline.
Experience with C/C++.
Experience with machine-learning pipelines and data-science workflows.
Familiarity with SQL Alchemy, NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, and PyTorch.
Ability to troubleshoot and optimize complex data queries and workflows.
Familiarity with big data concepts and MLOps.
Strong problem-solving skills, including troubleshooting and optimization across the data stack.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Current, active DoD Top Secret clearance and Special Program Access.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with software engineers, analysts, and other data scientists to understand data requirements and deliver 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.
Promote data-domain software engineering practices, including unit and integration testing, CI/CD automation, and thorough documentation.
Tune and optimize complex algorithms within on-premise infrastructure.
Model complex data, develop reusable patterns, and write modular, maintainable code.

Benefits

Retirement and savings plan.
Group medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life and disability insurance.
Flexible spending accounts.
Company-paid holidays.
Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
Flexible work arrangements.
Learning opportunities and exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers.
Depending on the position, eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus.
Relocation assistance may be available.