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Principal Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Project Engineer also successfully defines workflows, jobs, and reporting ... Substantial and extensive experience with planning, management, and execution of complex material ...

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Principal Project Manager information

See California salary details

$44.4K

$103.7K

$167.3K

How much do principal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project manager in California is $103,650.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Project Manager vs Senior Project Manager?

AspectPrincipal Project ManagerSenior Project Manager
CredentialsPMI PMP, PgMP, or equivalent; extensive experiencePMP or similar; significant project management experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership, cross-departmental projectsManaging complex projects, team oversight
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, consulting firms, tech companiesVaried industries, mid to large organizations

The Principal Project Manager typically holds higher-level certifications and leads strategic initiatives across departments, whereas the Senior Project Manager focuses on managing complex projects and teams within specific domains. Both roles require extensive project management experience, but the Principal often has broader responsibilities and influence.

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

To thrive as a Principal Project Manager, you need advanced project management expertise, strategic planning abilities, and a track record of leading large, complex projects, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree and PMP or similar certification. Familiarity with project management tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Primavera, as well as experience with budget and resource management systems, is essential. Outstanding leadership, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective project delivery, risk mitigation, and alignment with organizational goals on high-stakes initiatives.

Is a principal project manager a high position?

A principal project manager is a senior-level role responsible for overseeing large or complex projects, often involving strategic planning and leadership. It is considered a high position within project management, typically requiring extensive experience, certifications like PMP, and strong leadership skills.

What is a principal project manager?

Principal Project Managers are senior professionals responsible for overseeing large, complex projects or multiple project teams within an organization. They provide strategic direction, manage key stakeholders, and ensure successful project delivery within scope, time, and budget constraints. In addition to managing projects, they mentor junior project managers, establish best practices, and contribute to organizational goals through leadership and expertise.

How does a principal project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project success?

A Principal Project Manager works closely with diverse teams—such as engineering, finance, marketing, and operations—to align project objectives and timelines. They facilitate regular meetings, establish clear communication channels, and proactively resolve conflicts or bottlenecks. By leveraging their leadership and organizational skills, they ensure that all stakeholders are informed, engaged, and contributing toward common goals. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating complex projects and delivering successful outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Principal Project Manager jobs in California? For Principal Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Principal Project Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Project Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Principal Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Principal Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,650 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

F-35 Principal/Sr Principal Project Management

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: None
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Project Manager / Senior Principal Project Manager to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals within our F-35 Business Unit. This position will be located 100% onsite in Redondo Beach, California.
As a Principal / Senior Principal Project Manager, you will support the Proposal Operations team and be responsible for managing F-35 Proposals from receipt of Request for Proposal (RFP) to Proposal submission to the customer. You will apply proven proposal planning and execution strategies and processes to lead cross-functional teams within specific F-35 Operating Units (Production, Development, Fleet Readiness & Sustainment, International Training & Support) to develop successful, compliant, integrated, compelling, and on-time proposal submissions.
The Principal / Senior Principal Project Manager will report directly to the Senior Manager, Proposal Operations through the F-35 Program Integration & Operations Team. The proposals you will lead include major long-term Production follow-on efforts, Support Equipment follow-on and growth efforts, Development, Field Support Services, Major A/B Change Requests and all other F-35 proposals. Candidates for this position will demonstrate a broad skill set that is balanced across leadership, collaboration, business analysis, communication, project management, stakeholder management, change management, risk management, capture, and proposal-based capabilities.
The role will also establish and maintain proposal metrics, drive insights for leadership, and complete other operations & integrations project management duties as needed.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Manage the initiation, development, and completion of responsive Proposals to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and assist with the development of associated products, such as Requests for Information responses, capabilities statements, white papers, briefings, etc.
  • Lead collaborative proposal kick-offs with relevant program and functional stakeholders to ensure communication of proposal strategy, requirements and schedule
  • Establish proposal schedule and drive cross-functional teams to meet commitment dates
  • Lead rhythmic reviews of proposal portfolios to maintain status and dates
  • Collaborate with business management in developing NCTA cost estimates related to proposal development and provide subsequent oversight and tracking of NCTA funds
  • Oversee compliance with proposal knowledge management processes; develop and maintain a centralized proposal library (solicitations, responses, debriefings) or other reusable knowledge database(s)
  • Support development and refinement of templates, and standardized processes to streamline proposal development

This position may be filled at a Principal Project Manager or Senior Principal Project Manager level based on the qualifications outlined below.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Project Manager (Level 3)
  • Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience or in-lieu of degree with 9 years of experience
  • Experience must be in one or more the following: Project Management, Proposals , Capture Efforts, Program Management, Business Management, Global Supply Chain, Engineering, Contracts Management, Strategy and Operations, and/or Business Operations
  • Experience with Microsoft Office
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of time as determined by the Company to meet its business needs

Basic Qualifications:
Senior Principal Project Manager (Level 4)
  • Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 8 years of experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience or in-lieu of degree with 12 years of experience
  • Experience must be in one or more the following: Project Management, Proposals , Capture Efforts, Program Management, Business Management, Global Supply Chain, Engineering, Contracts Management, Strategy and Operations, and/or Business Operations
  • Experience with Microsoft Office
  • Ability to travel up to 10% of time as determined by the Company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience leading, training, and directing activities of team members through execution of competitive and/or sole source proposals
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance
  • Experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry
  • Program execution and Proposals Experience
  • Experience with SharePoint
  • Excellent time and resource management skills
  • Capable of working under tight deadlines, with the flexibility to work on several projects concurrently

Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00
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