1

Principal Project Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Project Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$44.1K

$102.9K

$166K

How much do principal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project manager in Minnesota is $102,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,300.00 and $125,900.00 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 Minnesota? For Principal Project Manager jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Principal Project Manager jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Principal Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Principal Project Manager job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,864 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Principal Project Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Plymouth, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 362 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 538 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's Weapons Systems Division is looking for a Principal Project Manager to support the Armament System/Ammunition Co-Production portfolio located in Plymouth, MN.
The primary objective will be to support the Ammunition Co-Production Program Management team to ensure all program requirements and objectives are met. The individual will coordinate with cross-functional teams in order to satisfy program goals.
Northrop Grumman's Armament Systems business unit is looking for a Principal Project Manager to support its expanding International Co-Production Portfolio. This portfolio helps identify, pursue, and capture indigenous production capability with our allied partners around the world. The primary responsibility of this Project Manager position will be to support the management and execution of Medium and Large Caliber International Co-Production programs. The individual will lead a cross-functional organization aligned to common program performance goals including identifying technical requirements, developing cost performance metrics, schedule performance, and customer satisfaction.
Project Managers support the Co-Production Portfolio program managers on various Program Management responsibilities through all phases of the program life cycle from inception (proposal development) through final submittal, negotiations, contract signing, and execution. Primary support areas include management of cost, schedule, and technical performance of co-production execution programs or subsystems and include, but are not limited to:
  • Leading and directing cross-functional Integrated Program Teams (IPT) to meet program cost, schedule and technical performance objectives.
  • Measuring and reporting program performance.
  • Delivering presentations to customers, executive management and other program stakeholders.
  • Creation, review and finalization of the program Statement of Work and other associated program management artifacts.
  • Identification, distribution, tracking, and completion of program requirements.
  • Establishment and management of the program and subordinate baselines.
  • Development and adherence to budget baselines utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar cost & schedule control methodologies and tools.
  • Identifying, allocating and managing program resources, including workforce planning.
  • Managing suppliers to meet program objectives.
  • Adherence to all internal processes, policies, and applicable industry standards
  • Ensuring program team understands and adheres to contract scope and manages change through control board activities.
  • Development and adherence to master plans and schedules.
  • Conducting thorough risk & opportunity management practices including identification, mitigation and realization.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Our position emphasizes skills first and requires 9 years of experience. Will consider a bachelor's degree and 5 years or Master's Degree and 3 years of experience supporting U.S. Government or International contracts and customers and/or project management in other industries.
  • Experience leading the performance of tasks on schedule, at cost and achieving all requirements as either project lead, integrated program team (IPT) lead, or cost account manager.
  • Demonstrated financial management skills/knowledge including development and control of program budgets, schedules, and the ability to recognize and capture program changes.
  • Proficient computer skills using Microsoft Office products (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project).
  • Experience and/or knowledge in a manufacturing and production environment.
  • Experience and/or knowledge in Program/Project Management.
  • Ability to work closely with multiple functional organizations (Program Office, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Field Operations, etc.).
  • US Citizenship is required.
  • Able to travel both international and domestically up to 10% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field.
  • Working experience supporting international, transition to production, and production contracts.
  • Prior experience with large or medium caliber military armaments, or related systems including development, transition to production, and production experience.
  • Demonstrated history of effective and productive project management utilizing EVMS tools and processes.

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,900.00 - $134,900.00
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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

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