Principal Data Scientist

Northrop Grumman is seeking an individual contributor Principal Data Scientist for its Aeronautics Sector Program Management Office in Palmdale, CA (onsite). This high-tempo role focuses on turning engineering and business data into reliable metrics, dashboards, and automated pipelines using SQL, Python, Airflow, and BI tools like Tableau and PowerBI.

Salary range: USD 125,300 - 187,900 per year. Travel: Yes, 10% of the time. Clearance required for start: Yes, with a Secret clearance.

What you will do

• Database & query optimization: Manage, maintain, and secure SQL databases, and write, troubleshoot, and optimize complex SQL queries to support high performance and data availability.
• ETL pipeline development: Design, develop, and manage automated ETL processes to ingest and transform complex engineering and business datasets.
• Metrics & BI visualization: Define, track, and build interactive dashboards in Tableau and/or PowerBI to communicate technical metrics to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Python automation with Airflow: Write and deploy advanced Python scripts using Airflow for data manipulation, analysis, and process automation.
• Collaborative development: Use Gitlab for version control, code reviews, and collaborative development within an agile/scrum framework.
• Data mining, statistical reporting, and analysis: Create data mining architectures/models/protocols and statistical reporting methods to identify trends in large datasets.
• Project and administrative support: Assist with reviewing project status and budgets, resource planning, preparing for and facilitating meetings, and supporting administrative functions.

Role requirements

• Experience based on education: 5 years with a bachelor’s degree in science; or 3 years with a master’s; or 1 year with a PhD.
• Experience writing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex SQL queries.
• Experience managing and maintaining SQL databases.
• Ability to define, track, and visualize business and engineering metrics using advanced BI tools such as Tableau and PowerBI.
• Expertise in developing and managing ETL processes.
• Experience in Python programming for data analysis, manipulation, and automation.
• Experience using version control systems such as Gitlab for collaborative development.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies for project management.
• Security clearance: Active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business need.

Preferred qualifications

• 5 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree; 3 years with a master’s degree; or a PhD in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering.
• Expertise developing and orchestrating robust ETL processes using Apache Airflow.
• Strong experience publishing, maintaining, and managing Tableau reports on Tableau Server.
• Capability to bridge business requirements and technical specifications.
• Proficiency applying advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques, including predictive and prescriptive analytics.
• Strong communication skills to present findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Tools you’ll use

SQL, Tableau, PowerBI, Python, Airflow, Gitlab

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Depending on the position: potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay
• Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions and share in company results
• Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives

Relocation assistance: No relocation assistance available. Application period: estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date (timeline may be shortened or extended). Role type: individual contributor role; not a management/leadership opportunity.