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Principal Reliability Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Reliability Engineer

Provo, UT

$97K - $122K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

Orlando, FL

$95K - $120K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

Miami, FL

$98K - $123K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$101K - $128K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

San Diego, CA

$108K - $137K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

El Paso, TX

$92K - $116K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

Houston, TX

$97K - $123K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$96K - $122K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

Principal Reliability Engineer

Austin, TX

$101K - $127K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Reliability Engineer to join our team located in Tucson, AZ. What You Will Do: * Develop and implement reliability strategy across multiple product phases including ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Reliability Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal reliability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal reliability engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Reliability Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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.
More about Principal Reliability Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Reliability Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Reliability Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Principal Reliability Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Reliability Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Reliability Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.
Principal / Senior Principal Reliability Engineer

Principal / Senior Principal Reliability Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE 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 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 is seeking a Principal or Senior Principal Reliability Engineer with the ability to obtain a security clearance to work with our Specialty Engineering Team out of Woodland Hills, CA. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation. This is an exciting, challenging and specialized role for a talented, energized and innovative individual who wants to pursue growth in Reliability, Maintainability, and Testability Engineering. This is fully onsite position located in Woodland Hills, CA working a 9/80 schedule.

What You'll Get to Do:

  • Perform Reliability and Maintainability allocations and predictions for avionics and navigation systems.

  • Conduct Failure Modes Effects Analyses (FMEA), Failure Modes Effects Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Testability analyses.

  • Support Failure Reporting Analysis and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) as needed.

  • Support Built-In Test BIT Design Verification Testing (BIT Demos).

  • Utilize knowledge of documents such as MIL-HDBK-338, MIL-HDBK-2165 and MIL-HDBK-217 F(N2) to perform engineering analysis and make recommendations to design teams.

  • Collaborate with Integrated Product Teams (IPT), program management, customers, and suppliers for the Reliability, Maintainability and Testability (RMT) aspects of assigned systems.

  • Support identifying, planning and quoting the RMT tasks for proposals.

This position may be filled as Principal Reliability Engineer or Senior Principal Reliability Engineer.

Basic Qualifications Principal Reliability Engineer

  • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (or related STEM Discipline) with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience; Master's with 3 years of relevant experience; PhD with 1 year relevant experience.

  • Demonstrated experience in Reliability, Maintainability, and Testability disciplines.

  • Ability to read electronic circuit schematics and understand component failure modes/mechanisms.

  • Experience developing a Piece-Part FMEA/FMECA.

  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to be able to interact with team members, peers and leadership within NGMS and the customer community.

  • Innovative mindset with focus on process improvement.

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S Government Secret Security Clearance is required within a time frame set forth by management.

Basic Qualifications Senior Principal Reliability Engineer:

  • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (or related STEM Discipline) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; Master's with 6 years of relevant experience; PhD with 4 years relevant experience.

  • Demonstrated experience in Reliability, Maintainability, and Testability disciplines.

  • Ability to read electronic circuit schematics and understand component failure modes/mechanisms.

  • Experience developing a Piece-Part FMEA/FMECA.

  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills to be able to interact with team members, peers and leadership within NGMS and the customer community.

  • Innovative mindset with focus on process improvement.

  • U.S. Citizenship is required.

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S Government Secret Security Clearance is required within a time frame set forth by management.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with hands-on RMT analysis and modeling skills for electronic and non-electronic systems, including experience with Reliability Analysis Software and modeling tools (PTC Windchill Quality Solutions preferred).

  • Demonstrated experience within aerospace or defense industry

  • Experience performing Useful Life Analysis and Operational Service Life Analysis.

  • Experience planning and supporting Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT).

  • Familiarity with Fault Tree Analysis.

  • Familiarity with additional specifications such as MIL-HDBK-472, MIL-STD-2155, MIL-STD-882E.

  • Experience with DO-254 Hardware Certification Process.

  • ASQ Certified Reliability Engineer.

  • Possess active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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