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Principal Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal CICS Systems Programmer *** Selected candidate must be willing to work on-site in Woodlawn, MD 5 days a week. Key Required Skills: CICS v6.x System Programming, COTS tools administration ...

Experienced R programmer needed to provide technical expertise for clinical PK/PD department to meet internal and external needs. Uses R and companion software to develop custom programming code to ...

Experienced R programmer needed to provide technical expertise for clinical PK/PD department to meet internal and external needs. Uses R and companion software to develop custom programming code to ...

Principal R Programmer

Durham, NC · On-site

$98K - $273K/yr

Experienced R programmer needed to provide technical expertise for clinical PK/PD department to meet internal and external needs. Uses R and companion software to develop custom programming code to ...

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How much do principal programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal programmer in the United States is $122,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,500.00 and $127,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What states have the most Principal Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Programmer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,589 per year, or $58.9 per hour.
Principal CNC Programmer /Sr. Principal CNC Programmer

Principal CNC Programmer /Sr. Principal CNC Programmer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 356 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal CNC Programmer or Sr. Principal CNC Programmer based out of Sunnyvale, CA.

Marine Systems is a leading provider of naval propulsion and tactical equipment support systems. This position requires a candidate who will specialize in the fabrication (machining) of high-value, large-scale precision metal components (low-volume / high-mix) and someone with a strong background in plasma and oxy-fuel cutting and computer numerical control (CNC) programming experience.


What You'll get to Do:

  • Create, validate, and maintain CNC programs that support the machining of large-scale, complex, precision metal components fabricated on plasma and oxy-fuel cutters (CAM file generation, post-processor machine code generation).

  • Perform technical data package review of components that require fabrication (CAD models & engineering drawings).

  • Develop advanced nesting strategies to maximize material utilization and minimize scrap. Identify, select, and procure appropriate tooling for job-specific applications (based on part material, geometry, features, tolerances, system rigidity, and equipment capability).

  • Perform program prove-out validation (computer simulation tools, 'tabletop' peer reviews, First Time Process Reviews, machine dry runs).

  • Participate in and lead cross-functional teams comprised of machinists/operators, manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, supply chain representatives, quality engineers/inspectors, and operations/program management to support program schedule & performance goals, mitigate manufacturing risks, and improve operational efficiency.

  • Evaluate new equipment, software upgrades, and cutting technologies; make recommendations for capital investments.

  • This position is for a 1st Shift position; however, occasional extended shift, off-shift, and/or weekend support may be required.

  • Occasional travel may be required for training purposes or to participate in equipment selection/acceptance activities (less than 10%).

This position can be filled at a Principal CNC Programmer or Sr. Principal CNC Programmer level.

Basic Qualifications for the Principal CNC Programmer:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; OR 3 or more years with a Master's (4 years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).

  • Minimum 2 years of direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role.

  • Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans.

  • Minimum 2 years of experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

  • Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support the machining of precision components.

  • Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files.

  • Ability to work swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts (up to 20%).

Basic Qualifications for the Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:

  • Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; OR 6 or more years with a Master's (4 years of additional relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).

  • Minimum 2 years of direct experience working in a machining CNC programming role.

  • Experience reading, interpreting, and understanding manufacturing blueprints and process plans.

  • Minimum 2 years of experience using Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

  • Experience creating and editing CNC programs that support the machining of precision components.

  • Experience creating and/or editing 3D CAM files.

  • Ability to work swing, graveyard, and weekend shifts (up to 20%).

Preferred Qualifications for Principal CNC Programmer and Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:

  • Experience/proficiency working with materials requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and SAP experience preferred.

  • Experience using Sigmanest or Pronest to create NC programs for multi-axis plasma and oxy-fuel cutters.

  • Experience in CNC programming for multi-axis waterjets and laser cutters.

  • Experience with Siemens NX CAD/CAM.

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and the company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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