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Principal Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Project Manager

San Jose, CA

The Project Manager will assist the Associate or Principal in the pursuit of new projects and new clients. Reports To: Senior Project Manager, Associate, or Principal Job Responsibilities Project ...

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Project Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

The Project Manager will assist the Associate or Principal in the pursuit of new projects and new clients. Reports To: Senior Project Manager, Associate, or Principal Job Responsibilities Project ...

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Project Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$121K - $136K/yr

The Project Manager will assist the Associate or Principal in the pursuit of new projects and new clients. Reports To: Senior Project Manager, Associate, or Principal Job Responsibilities Project ...

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Project Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$121K - $136K/yr

The Project Manager will assist the Associate or Principal in the pursuit of new projects and new clients. Reports To: Senior Project Manager, Associate, or Principal Job Responsibilities Project ...

Join Us At PASE!

Project Manager

San Ramon, CA · On-site

The Project Manager will assist the Associate or Principal in the pursuit of new projects and new clients. Reports To: Senior Project Manager, Associate, or Principal Job Responsibilities Project ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Project JobsPrincipal Project Manager JobsPrincipal Project Manager Jobs in California

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 7, 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:
Principal Project Manager jobs near you
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.

Project Management/Principal Project Management

Northrop Grumman Corporation

San Diego, CA

$94K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: 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 Aeronautics Systems sector has an opening for a Project/Principal Project Management to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Triton Global Supply Chain organization.

This position is located onsite in San Diego, California.

This position is seeking a highly motivated, intelligent and diligent high performer to join out organization. This position will be in fast-paced environment. We offer a 9/80* work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assess product issues and develop resolutions to meet productivity, quality, and customer-satisfaction goals and objectives
  • Communicate priorities for sub-tier supplier efforts and material purchasing, ensuring the manufacturing line has all necessary parts and materials in support of production.
  • Must possess excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
  • Support functional and program leadership briefings
  • Manage program metrics and data collection efforts in order to identify trends and compose reports on the organization's performance to higher levels of the Global Supply Chain organization and the Triton Program Office.

Basic Qualifications (Level 2)

  • Must have Bachelors and 2 years' experience, Masters Degree, or in-lieu of degree with 6 years' experience.
  • Experience must be in one or more of the following: Project/ Program Management, Business Management, Price/Cost, Finance, Data Analytics Subcontracts
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance within reasonable amount of time deemed by business needs

Basic Qualifications (Level 3)

  • Must have Bachelors and 5 years' experience, Masters Degree 3 years' experience, or in-lieu of degree with 9 years' experience
  • Experience must be in one or more of the following: Project/ Program Management, Business Management, Price/Cost, Finance, Data Analytics or Subcontracts
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Clearance within reasonable amount of time deemed by business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

  • SharePoint workflow or other collaboration site design/development.
  • Experience with data evaluation tools within MS Excel and experience programming in Visual Basic in MS Excel
  • Ability to create Tableau desktops with data feeds from multiple different sources
  • Experience working in Global Supply Chain organization.
  • Project/Program Management Certifications.
  • Masters Degree
  • Experience in Business or Data Analytics
  • Experience using SAP or MRP systems
  • Advanced Excel, Pivot Tables, Macro Development

Knowledge, Skills and Ability
Frequent use and general knowledge of industry practices, techniques, and standards. General application of concepts, and principles. Demonstrates the skill and ability to perform moderately complex professional tasks.
Problem Solving
Develops solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity.
Discretion/Latitude
Works under only very general supervision. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment and overall adequacy and accuracy.
Impact
Contributes to the completion of organizational projects and goals. Errors in judgement or failure to achieve results would normally require a moderate expenditure of resources to rectify.
Liaison
Frequent internal company and external contacts. Represents organization on specific projects. May make presentations to small groups.

Primary Level Salary Range: $75,800.00 - $113,800.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00The 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

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