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Principal Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zenius

Principal CICS Systems Programmer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

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 ...

City of Pasadena

Principal Engineer

Pasadena, CA

$157K - $196K/yr

The Principal Engineer leads the Water Resources and Planning Division, overseeing critical water resource programs, capital improvement projects, regulatory compliance efforts, and engineering ...

Dover Corporation

Principal Engineer

Keosauqua, IA · On-site

Principal Engineer Location: Keosauqua, IA What we are looking for: The Principal Engineer will serve as a senior technical leader within Specialty Engineering, providing technical leadership ...

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How much do principal programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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.

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Principal Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,589 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Sr. Principal CNC Programmer

NORTHROP GRUMMAN

Sunnyvale, CA

$129K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 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 available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
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 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
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 and working knowledge of metal removal/machining fundamentals and computer numerical control (CNC) programming experience.
What You'll get to Do:
  • Create and edit CNC programs that support the machining of large-scale, complex, precision metal components fabricated on multiple-axis CNC milling & turning machining centers (CAM file generation, post-processor machine code generation).
  • Perform technical data package review of components that require fabrication (CAD model & engineering drawing validation).
  • Perform machining process development & optimization (part setup/fixturing, machining strategy/order of operations, tool selection, speed/feed process parameter selection).
  • 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).
  • Work with machinists, manufacturing engineers, and design engineers to identify process improvement opportunities (reduced machining/setup time, improved part quality, reduced manufacturing risk) and incorporate required design changes (customer-driven changes, technical performance improvements, improved manufacturability).
  • 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.
  • Occasional travel may be required for training purposes or to participate in equipment selection/acceptance activities (less than 10%).

This is a 4th Shift opportunity
Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 12-hour shifts (5:30am to 5:30pm)
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 obtain a US Government Secret clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications for the Sr. Principal CNC Programmer:
  • Experience/proficiency working with materials requirements planning (MRP), manufacturing execution systems (MES), and SAP experience preferred.
  • Experience using Siemens NX CAD/CAM software to create NC programs for multiple-axis CNC milling & turning machining centers.

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters 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: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00
The 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

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