Sr. Principal Data Scientist – Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · San Diego, CA +1 · Data Science

Senior Principal Data Scientist role focused on architecting and building core data logic, custom ML tools, and optimizing algorithms from the ground up, with a strong emphasis on software engineering best practices within the data domain. Requires deep understanding of ML/DL, Python, SQL, and CI/CD, with a Top Secret clearance.

What you'd actually do

  1. Collaborate closely with software engineers, analysts, and other data scientists to understand data requirements and deliver robust, integrated solutions.
  2. Architect and develop custom, maintainable data science solutions from the ground up.
  3. Write and maintain tests and documentation for data architecture, workflows, and processes.
  4. Champion software engineering best practices within the data domain, including comprehensive unit/integration testing, CI/CD automation (Git, Docker), and robust documentation.
  5. Tune and optimize complex algorithms within our on-premise infrastructure.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics discipline from an accredited university, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, OR Master in STEM with 6 years of relevant experience, OR PhD/Doctorate degree in STEM 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.)
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Nice to have

  • Master’s degree or higher, in Data Science or related discipline.
  • 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.

What the JD emphasized

  • architect and build the core data logic of our systems
  • creating custom, high-performance statistics and machine learning tools from the ground up
  • deep data modeling
  • abstracting reusable patterns
  • writing modular, maintainable code that stands the test of time
  • Tune and optimize complex algorithms within our on-premise infrastructure
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Top Secret clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Other signals

  • architect and build the core data logic of our systems
  • creating custom, high-performance statistics and machine learning tools from the ground up
  • deep data modeling
  • abstracting reusable patterns
  • writing modular, maintainable code that stands the test of time
  • Tune and optimize complex algorithms within our on-premise infrastructure