Sr. Principal Data Scientist – Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
About The Position
Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Data Scientist to support its Product Support Analytics and Innovation team onsite in Rancho Bernardo, California. This is a full-time, in-office role; hybrid scheduling may become available depending on future project needs. The position focuses on architecting and building core data logic rather than operating pre-built tools. The successful candidate will create custom, high-performance statistical and machine learning tools, model complex data, identify reusable patterns, and write modular, maintainable code. The role involves working with software engineers, analysts, and other data scientists to understand data requirements and deliver integrated solutions. The data scientist will build and maintain tests and documentation, promote software engineering practices in data science, and tune complex algorithms for on-premise infrastructure. Travel is expected 25% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program access within a reasonable period as determined by business needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and at least 8 years of relevant experience, or a STEM master’s degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience, or a STEM Ph.D./doctorate and at least 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, 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 amount of time, as determined by business needs.
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, SKLearn, and 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, including 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.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate 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 data-domain software engineering practices, including unit and integration testing, CI/CD automation, and robust documentation.
- Tune and optimize complex algorithms within on-premise infrastructure.
Benefits
- Flexible work arrangements
- Learning opportunities
- A friendly team environment
- Retirement and Savings Plan
- Group medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Company-paid holidays
- Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
- Potential overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus eligibility, depending on the position
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
