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Principal Project Manager Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

Jessup, MD · On-site

$70K - $121K/yr

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Primary contact for internal or external complex or strategic projects ... Produce and manage documentation required to meet all internal and customer requirements and ...

Project Manager

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Principal responsibilities include: * Lead and directly supervise a team of 20+ IT professionals ... Manage project scope, schedule, and resources to ensure successful and timely delivery * Serve as a ...

Principal responsibilities include: * Lead and directly supervise a team of 20+ IT professionals ... Manage project scope, schedule, and resources to ensure successful and timely delivery * Serve as a ...

Principal responsibilities include: * Lead and directly supervise a team of 20+ IT professionals ... Manage project scope, schedule, and resources to ensure successful and timely delivery * Serve as a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Project Manager information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$44.7K

$104.4K

$168.4K

How much do principal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal project manager in Baltimore, MD is $104,353.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $127,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

Is a principal project manager a high position?

A principal project manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing large or complex projects and guiding project teams. It typically requires extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often involves strategic planning and stakeholder management, making it a high-level position within organizations. The role is considered higher than project manager and often involves influencing organizational goals and decision-making.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Project Manager jobs in Baltimore, MD?

For Principal Project Manager jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Principal Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Principal Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Project Manager job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,358 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Principal Project Manager/Sr Principal Project Manager

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 367 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE 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's Mission Systems Sector is seeking a Principal Project Management/ Sr. Principal Project Management - Level 3 or Level 4 to join our team.Please note this is an individual contributor role and is not a management/leadership opportunity.

The successful candidate is expected to be a highly motivated, resourceful, self-starter able to work collaboratively with internal and external teams in high-tempo environments. This position will be expected to assist with reviewing status of projects and budgets, resource planning, preparing for and facilitating meetings, and supporting various administrative functions.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Support the program to accomplish a variety of precise, time-sensitive monthly deliverables, metrics, and presentations.
  • Collaborate across functions to ensure all objectives are met.
  • Support strategic planning activities with a focus on increased quality and productivity.
  • Maintain data, visibility, and metrics supporting deliveries.
  • Facilitate internal meetings with necessary stakeholders as required to support engineering, production, and test schedules and activities.
  • Develop and deliver briefings to Program Leadership.
  • Identify opportunities for change and champion needed changes within the organization.
  • Captures and manages Action Items to completion and/or close.
  • Implementation and use of tools/templates for monitoring project progress.
  • Most assignments are complex and performed independently without appreciable direction; exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignment.
  • Manage schedules and prepare status reports.
  • Establish, maintain, and proactively manage strategic rhythm of the organization to ensure preparedness for program and customer deadlines.
  • Develops mechanisms for monitoring project progress and for intervention and problem solving with project managers, line managers, and clients.

If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!

This position's standard work schedule is 9/80, allowing employees who work nine-hour days Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

This position can be filled at either Level 3 or Level 4.

Basic Qualifications forLevel 3:

  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of professional experience. May consider an Associate's degree plus 7 years of project management experience.
  • Active secret US Government clearance (last investigation completed within last 6 years) and the ability to attain and maintain TS/SCI US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Proficiency in creating, maintaining, and utilizing metrics. Strong data analytic skill set required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint).
  • At least 2 years of experience leading a project and/or driving performance against schedule.
  • Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Experience working with and manipulating detail-oriented data.
  • Ability to work independently and multitask.

Basic Qualifications forLevel 4:

  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of professional experience. May consider an Associate's degree plus 10 years of project management experience.
  • Active secret US Government clearance (last investigation completed within last 6 years) and the ability to attain and maintain TS/SCI US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
  • Proficiency in creating, maintaining, and utilizing metrics. Strong data analytic skill set required.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint).
  • At least 2 years of experience leading a project and/or driving performance against schedule.
  • Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Experience working with and manipulating detail-oriented data.
  • Ability to work independently and multitask.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong written and verbal communication, including presentation skills to senior leadership.
  • Strong scheduling and Analytical skills.
  • Experience with presentations to executive leadership.
  • Experience interfacing with engineering teams.

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our 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!

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

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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