ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Performance Architect Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Arcfield

Principal Investigator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Lead efforts to architect, prototype, and implement Range Safety solutions emphasizing range safety ... Oversee system integration, testing, and performance analysis, delivering prototypes and findings ...

Prattwhitney

Principal Radar Systems Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$107.50 - $204.50/hr

... a Principal Radar Systems Engineer to lead architecture and requirements development activities ... Develop architectural framework updates, system-of-systems functional and performance requirements ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Performance Architect JobsPrincipal Performance Architect Jobs in Alabama

Principal Performance Architect information

See Alabama salary details

$73K

$155.3K

$209.4K

How much do principal performance architect jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal performance architect in Alabama is $155,339.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,400.00 and $176,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal performance architect?

Principal Performance Architects are senior-level professionals responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of software systems or IT infrastructure. They work to ensure that applications and services run efficiently, reliably, and can scale effectively with increased usage. Their role often involves identifying bottlenecks, recommending improvements, and establishing best practices for performance across development teams. With extensive experience, they also mentor other engineers and collaborate with stakeholders to meet organizational performance goals.

What are the typical challenges a principal performance architect faces when optimizing large-scale enterprise systems?

Principal Performance Architects often encounter challenges such as balancing system scalability with cost efficiency, identifying performance bottlenecks in complex architectures, and aligning optimization strategies with evolving business goals. They must work closely with cross-functional teams—including developers, infrastructure engineers, and product managers—to ensure that solutions are both technically robust and aligned with user needs. Navigating legacy systems and integrating new technologies can also present unique hurdles, requiring strong analytical skills and deep experience with performance testing tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal performance architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Performance Architect, you need deep expertise in systems architecture, performance engineering, and scalability, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with performance analysis tools (e.g., JMeter, Dynatrace), cloud platforms, and scripting languages, along with relevant certifications, is typically expected. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive best practices. These skills ensure that large-scale systems operate efficiently, meet business requirements, and deliver optimal user experiences.

What is the difference between Principal Performance Architect vs Performance Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Performance ArchitectPerformance Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees and extensive experience in performance architectureUsually requires a bachelor's or master's in computer science or related field, with relevant performance testing certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and overseeing performance strategies across large systems and enterprise environmentsConducts performance testing, analysis, and tuning on specific applications or components
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large tech firms, financial institutions, and enterprise software companiesUsed across various industries including IT, software development, and consulting firms

The Principal Performance Architect typically leads performance strategy and architecture at an enterprise level, requiring more experience and strategic oversight. Performance Engineers focus on testing and optimizing specific applications or systems. Both roles are essential but differ mainly in scope and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Performance Architect jobs in Alabama?

For Principal Performance Architect jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Performance Architect jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Performance Architect jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Principal Performance Architect jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Principal Performance Architect job openings:

Principal Performance Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Performance Architect job openings in Alabama as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,339 per year, or $74.7 per hour.

Principal Engineer Systems/Sr Principal Engineer Systems - AHT

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Job Description:

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent thefuture andhave fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) isseeking a Principal Systems Engineer or Sr Principal Systems Engineer to join the EmbeddedInfrastructureTeam supporting the development of mission-critical defense systems. This role bridges systems engineering, embedded software, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) to define, develop, integrate, and verify embedded computing platforms that enable net-generation capabilities. The successful candidate will have experience with Gitlab, Operating Systems, and/or COMMs to collaborate across software, hardware, cybersecurity, specialty engineering, and program leadership to develop digital engineering solutions and ensure robust system performance throughout the system lifecycle.

This requisition may be filled based on qualifications listed below:

Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage system architectures, requirements, interfaces, and verification strategies using MBSE methodologies.
  • Create and maintain SysML models using Cameo Systems Modeler (or equivalent MBSE tools).
  • Collaborate with embedded software developers to ensure systemarchitecturesare effectively implemented.
  • Define software and hardware interface requirements for embedded computing environments.
  • Support digital engineering initiatives through model-based analysis, architecture development, and requirements traceability.
  • Develop system verification and validation plans while ensuring complete requirements coverage.
  • Partner with software, hardware, cybersecurity, reliability, system safety, and integration teams to resolvetechnical issues.
  • Support Agile development using JIRA, Confluence, and configuration management tools.
  • Participate in technical reviews including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and SVR.
  • Evaluate technical risk and recommend mitigation strategies.
  • Mentor junior systems engineering best practices

Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal Engineer Systems (Level 3):5 years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with asters; 1 Year with PhD
  • Sr Principal Engineer Systems (Level 4):8 years with Bachelors in Science;6 Years with master's or 3 years PHD
  • Experience developing systems engineering products across the full system lifecycle.
  • Experience supporting embedded software or embedded computing platforms.
  • Experience with Model-Base Systems Engineering (MBSE).
  • Experience using SysML and Cameo System Modeler (or similar modeling tools).
  • Understanding software architecture, software integration, and interface development.
  • Familiarity with requirements management tools.
  • Experience working within Agile software development teams.
  • Active Secret Security Clearance to Start.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Digital Engineering experience.
  • Embedded Linux or Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) knowledge.
  • Software development experience using C++, Python, or Java.
  • Experience with Git, GitLab, Jenkins, or CI/CD pipelines.
  • Knowledge of software safety, reliability engineering, or specialty engineering disciplines.
  • Experience supporting Department of Defense weapon systems or mission systems.
  • Experience withinfrastructureframeworks supporting embedded software development.
  • Active Security+ certification
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Northrop Grumman logo

About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

View All Northrop Grumman Jobs

Apply