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Principal Reliability Engineer Jobs in California

As a Principal SRE, you will define and drive the technical architecture for scaling our inference fleet through self-service delivery, shared observability, capacity orchestration, rollout safety ...

Requisition ID: 77684 Description The Principal Reliability / Failure Analysis Engineer leads enterprise-level failure analysis across component, module, and system levels, serving as a technical ...

Staff Reliability/FA Engineer

Newbury Park, CA · On-site

$108K - $136K/yr

Requisition ID: 77684 Description The Principal Reliability / Failure Analysis Engineer leads enterprise-level failure analysis across component, module, and system levels, serving as a technical ...

Sr. SRE / DevOps Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$67 - $89/hr

In-depth understanding of SRE principals including monitoring, alerting, error budgets, fault analysis, and automation. * In-depth knowledge of monitoring and observability tools: Apache Splunk

Showing results 21-40

Principal Reliability Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$145.3K

$209.7K

How much do principal reliability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal reliability engineer in California is $145,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,900.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Principal Reliability Engineer?

A Principal Reliability Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for ensuring that systems, products, or processes are dependable and function reliably over time. They use their expertise to identify potential points of failure, implement preventive maintenance strategies, and analyze data to improve system performance. Principal Reliability Engineers often lead teams, develop reliability policies, and work closely with other engineering disciplines to enhance product quality and reduce downtime. Their work is critical in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and technology. They typically possess extensive experience in reliability engineering and advanced problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal reliability engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Reliability Engineer, you need deep expertise in reliability engineering principles, statistical analysis, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with reliability modeling software (such as ReliaSoft), FMEA/FMECA tools, root cause analysis methodologies, and relevant industry certifications like CRE (Certified Reliability Engineer) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help drive cross-functional initiatives and mentor junior engineers. These skills ensure the development and maintenance of high-quality, dependable systems, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.

How does a principal reliability engineer typically contribute to cross-functional teams, and what collaboration challenges might arise?

As a Principal Reliability Engineer, you play a pivotal role in partnering with design, operations, and maintenance teams to ensure system reliability from concept through deployment. You’ll often lead failure analysis reviews, set reliability goals, and guide best practices across departments. Challenges can include aligning different teams’ priorities, communicating complex technical concepts to non-engineers, and driving consensus on design or process changes. Success in this role depends on strong communication skills and the ability to foster a collaborative, solutions-focused environment.

What is the difference between Principal Reliability Engineer vs Reliability Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Reliability EngineerReliability Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like CRE or Six SigmaSimilar educational background, often with certifications in reliability or quality
Work EnvironmentLeads reliability strategies across projects, often in senior or lead rolesFocuses on analyzing data, testing, and improving product reliability
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and tech industriesCommonly found in similar industries, supporting reliability initiatives
Search & ComparisonOften compared for seniority and scope of responsibilityCompared for technical expertise and hands-on reliability work

The Principal Reliability Engineer typically oversees reliability strategies and leads teams, while the Reliability Engineer focuses on technical analysis and implementation. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in industries prioritizing product and system dependability.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Reliability Engineer jobs in California?

For Principal Reliability Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Reliability Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Reliability Engineer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Principal Reliability Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,292 per year, or $69.9 per hour.

Reliability Systems Safety Engineer 3/4-Sunnyvale, California

Loma Mar, CA


NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 367 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

85th of 544 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$114K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


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 a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
Northrop Grumman Marine Systems specializes in the development, manufacturing, assembly, and testing of missile launching and handling systems, propulsion, and power generation systems for naval surface ships and submarines. The Reliability and System Safety Engineering Department ensures reliability and system safety are key considerations throughout the program life cycle starting with design and development through system retirement. We are looking for you to join our team as a Reliability Systems Safety Engineer based out of Sunnyvale, CA
What you'll get to do:
The Reliability/Systems Safety Engineer Level 3 /4 we are seeking will be an individual who thrives in a diverse work environment, has outstanding communication skills and possesses a strong sense of engagement and continuous process improvement. The Reliability/Systems Safety Engineer Level 3 /4 performs technical planning, requirements development, system integration, verification and validation. Analyses are performed at all levels and include: concept, design, fabrication, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal.
The Reliability/Systems Safety Engineer Level 3 /4 ensures the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total systems solutions that acknowledge technical, schedule and cost constraints. A fundamental knowledge and/or the interest in developing skills in Reliability and Systems Safety Engineering is also preferred.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Reliability/Systems Safety Engineer Level 3 /4 based out of Sunnyvale, CA.
Must be able to work on-site at the Sunnyvale campus at least 4 days a week.
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below:
Basic Qualifications Principal Reliability Safety Systems Engineer Level 3:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Physics) discipline with 5 years relevant experience; or Master's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Physics) discipline with 3 years of relevant work experience or a PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Physics) discipline with 0 years relevant experience.
  • Experience functioning within a fast-paced System Engineering Environment providing Design and Field support
  • Experience working within US Government Systems Engineering environment
  • Exercise sound judgement, be able to accept and complete challenging assignments, have a constructive positive relationship with team members
  • Desire to develop expertise in Reliability and System Safety Engineering within Systems Engineering framework
  • Ability to work seamlessly with internal and external engineering organizations and Programs to support hardware life cycle from cradle to end of life
  • Fundamental awareness of Reliability (Failure Modes analysis) and system safety principles (hazard analysis)
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Reliability Systems Safety Engineer Level 4:
  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Physics) discipline with 9 years relevant experience; or Master's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Physics) discipline with 7 years of relevant work experience; or a PhD in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Physics) discipline with 4 years relevant experience.
  • Exercise sound judgement, be able to accept and complete challenging assignments, have a constructive positive relationship with team members
  • Experience working with US Government Systems Engineering Principles and Policies.
  • Experience as a Systems Engineering lead engineer guiding a group to task completion
  • Ability to develop schedules, manage budget and complete work according to the developed schedule
  • Familiarity with Reliability and System Safety Engineering principles.
  • US Citizenship is required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience conducting Reliability (Failure Modes Analysis) and System Safety (Hazard Analysis) hardware analysis
  • Experience developing schedules budgets and tracking performance (Cost Account Management)
  • Experience with conducting hazardous materials management

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
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.

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


What Northrop Grumman employees say

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