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Principal Planner Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Assists the principal in providing educational leadership for students and staff consistent with ... Provides planning for faculty professional development for the academic year. * Provides oversight ...

The principal purpose of this position is to serve as the business manager for the category team ... Merchandise financial planning experience preferred. * Hardlines retail planning or merchandising ...

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Principal Planner information

See Virginia salary details

$55.5K

$101.1K

$154.2K

How much do principal planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal planner in Virginia is $101,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal planner?

Principal Planners are senior-level professionals in urban and regional planning who lead the development, coordination, and implementation of planning projects and policies. They often supervise teams, provide expert guidance on land use, zoning, transportation, and community development, and serve as key advisors to government agencies or private firms. Principal Planners are responsible for ensuring that projects align with local, state, and federal regulations, and they often represent their organizations in public meetings and hearings. Their work is crucial in shaping sustainable and functional communities.

What does a principal planner do?

As a Principal Planner, you'll often oversee complex planning projects such as land use studies, zoning code updates, or long-range community plans. Your day may involve coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, leading public meetings, and reviewing development proposals for compliance with policies and regulations. Principal Planners also mentor junior staff, provide technical expertise, and frequently collaborate with local government officials, stakeholders, and the public to ensure projects align with community goals. The role requires balancing administrative tasks with hands-on project management and strategic planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal planner?

To thrive as a Principal Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, land use regulations, and project management, typically supported by a degree in urban planning or a related field and relevant professional experience. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning codes, and planning documentation systems is essential, and certifications like AICP are often preferred. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and leadership skills help you guide teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These competencies ensure well-coordinated planning initiatives, compliance with regulations, and successful community development outcomes.

What is the difference between Principal Planner vs Senior Planner?

AspectPrincipal PlannerSenior Planner
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Certification (AICP)Bachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Certification (AICP)
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in planning projects, strategic oversightProject management, detailed planning tasks
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, large consulting firmsMunicipalities, private planning firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior-level planning rolesLooking for experienced planning professionals

The Principal Planner typically holds a leadership position with strategic oversight, requiring advanced credentials like AICP certification. They often work in government agencies or large consulting firms. In contrast, a Senior Planner focuses on managing specific projects and detailed planning tasks, usually within municipalities or smaller firms. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Principal Planner's role emphasizes leadership and strategic planning, while the Senior Planner concentrates on project execution.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Planner jobs in VA?

For Principal Planner jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Planner job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,127 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Engineer (AHT)

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 7 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: SCITRAVEL: 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.

The Intelligence Systems Division, a division within Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, redefining engineering capabilities, and driving advances in various sciences through cutting-edge technology. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, and innovative technologies to develop, design, produce, and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking an experienced Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Integrator in the Intelligence Systems Division Engineering organization supporting our Intelligence and Sensing Business Unit (BU) to support a program out of Fairfax, VA or Linthicum, MD.

We are seeking a highly skilled Systems Integrator with expertise in ground software systems, integration, and testing. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the verification of ground software systems and integrating key mission-critical technologies. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge space systems while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform Verification & Validation (V&V) activities for ground software systems, including mission management, command and control, and space vehicle operations.

Develop and execute integration and test plans, including test cases, procedures, and documentation to ensure system functionality and compliance with requirements.

Collaborate with developers, testers, and other team members to resolve issues and achieve full system integration.

Utilize testing tools and automation strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness during the integration process.

Provide detailed documentation of processes, results, and recommendations for optimization.

This position may be filled at a higher job level based on the qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled as either a Principal or Sr. Principal Systems Integrator.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Systems Integrator:

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of relevant experience; 3 years of relevant experience with a Master's; 0 years of relevant experience with a PhD. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Proven experience with ground software system verification, specifically related to Command and Control (C2) and Mission Management (MM).

Strong background in integration and test efforts, including planning, execution, and documentation.

Expertise in testing tools and automation.

Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a CI Poly required at time of application

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Systems Integrator:

Bachelor's degree and 8 years of relevant experience; 6 years of relevant experience with a Master's; 4 years of relevant experience with a PhD. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Proven experience with ground software system verification, specifically related to Command and Control (C2) and Mission Management (MM).

Strong background in integration and test efforts, including planning, execution, and documentation.

Expertise in testing tools and automation.

Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a CI Poly required at time of application

Preferred Qualifications:

Proficiency in programming and scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C, C++, and Java.

Exposure to Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools like Visio and Cameo.

Familiarity with collaboration and lifecycle management tools, including JIRA, Confluence, and Bitbucket.

Knowledge of Systems Tool Kit (STK) for mission simulation and analysis.

Experience with Agile program execution, including sprint planning, backlog management, and iterative development.

Working knowledge of Gherkin/Cucumber testing frameworks for behavior-driven development (BDD).

Hands-on experience with version control systems like GitLab.

Understanding and use of container technologies (e.g., Docker).

Familiarity with cloud technologies, especially AWS Cloud services.

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSysEngJobs

#NoVASpace

#BaltimoreSpace

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $213,400.00The 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.

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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