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Senior Principal Data Engineer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Principal Data Scientist

Germantown, MD · On-site

$134K - $181K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a senior, hands-on practitioner who sets the technical standard for data integrity ... Mentor data engineers and scientists; document assumptions, methods, and limitations; and champion ...

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing ... Senior Principal Mission Engineer (K8s & Cloud)Position Overview The position is for an on-site ...

Principal Data Scientist

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site +1

$175K - $215K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This is a senior individual contributor role that combines client-facing project leadership with ... engineering, or related Experience 5+ years of post-graduate experience in life sciences analytics ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Principal Data Engineer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$84.8K

$160.7K

$221.7K

How much do senior principal data engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal data engineer in Silver Spring, MD is $160,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,700.00 and $178,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior principal data engineer?

Senior Principal Data Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and oversee large-scale data systems and architectures for organizations. They lead teams in building robust data pipelines, ensure data quality, and implement best practices for data storage, processing, and security. Their role often involves collaborating with data scientists, analysts, and other stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making. They also mentor junior engineers and help set the technical vision for data engineering projects.

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

To thrive as a Senior Principal Data Engineer, you need deep expertise in data architecture, data modeling, distributed systems, and strong proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or Scala, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and relevant certifications such as AWS Certified Data Analytics or Google Professional Data Engineer is highly valuable. Leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills help you guide teams and align data solutions with business goals. These capabilities are crucial for designing scalable, robust data infrastructure and driving data-driven decision-making at an organizational level.

How does a senior principal data engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on large-scale projects?

Senior Principal Data Engineers often serve as technical leaders, working closely with data scientists, software engineers, product managers, and business stakeholders to design and implement robust data architectures. They facilitate communication across teams to ensure data solutions align with both technical requirements and business goals. Collaboration may involve leading design discussions, reviewing code, mentoring junior engineers, and establishing best practices for data quality and scalability. Their role is crucial in bridging gaps between technical and non-technical teams, ensuring successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Data Engineer vs Lead Data Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Data EngineerLead Data Engineer
CredentialsAdvanced degrees (MSc/PhD), extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's, significant data engineering experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic, architecture design, cross-team collaborationProject execution, team coordination, technical leadership
Industry UsageUsed in large organizations for high-level technical rolesCommon in tech companies and data-driven industries

The Senior Principal Data Engineer focuses on strategic architecture and high-level technical decisions, often working across teams. In contrast, the Lead Data Engineer manages project execution and team coordination. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Senior Principal typically has more experience and a broader scope of responsibilities.

How much does a senior principal data engineer make?

A senior principal data engineer typically earns between $130,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have advanced skills in data architecture, cloud platforms, and programming languages like Python or Scala, which can influence compensation levels.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Principal Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

For Senior Principal Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Principal Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Principal Data Engineer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Senior Principal Data Engineer jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Senior Principal Data Engineer job openings:

Principal Digital Engineer or Sr. Principal Digital Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Baltimore, MD

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 540 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 Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Principal Digital Engineer or Sr. Principal Digital Engineer with the desire to learn new technologies to join our innovative Software and Digital (SWDT) Technologies Organization to help develop, enhance and maintain software on cutting edge products and systems. This position is based out of Linthicum, MD.

What You'll Get To Do:

As a Principal Digital Engineer or Sr. Principal Digital Engineer within the SWDT Organization you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Using the latest Digital development tools, and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The new team member will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning and a culture of automation.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Design, verification, simulation and testing of FPGAs.

  • Utilize modeling and simulation tools to expedite development and testing of firmware updates.

  • Develop test plans and implement rigorous testing and validation processes for digital designs to ensure functionality, performance and security requirements are met.

  • Adhere to coding standards, revision control practices, and peer review procedures.

  • Conduct tests using high-speed oscilloscopes, signal generators, signal analyzers, and FPGA debugging tools, and analyze test data.

  • Create engineering change orders and perform fundamental types of analysis (i.e. power utilization, signal integrity, etc.).

  • Providing support for Systems Integration and Test operations.

  • Lead on-site testing of digital designs.

  • Manage design constraints (timing, power, I/O) and perform static timing analysis to meet critical performance targets.

  • Use strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within a development team to understand system level interdependencies that impact circuit requirements and design constraints.

"This position may be filled as a Principal Digital Engineer or Sr. Principal Digital Engineer based on the qualifications listed below."

"This position is contingent on contract award and funding."

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Digital Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering (BSCE), Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or related STEM Degree with 5 years of related experience.

  • U.S Citizenship is required.

  • Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance. Secret Clearance is required to start. Must be able to maintain this level of clearance for continued employment.

  • Must have 5 years of experience with VHDL programming language.

  • Must have 5 years of experience working in schematic and programmable logic tools such as AMD/Xilinx, Vivado, Altera/Quartus, etc.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, taking initiative to complete tasks with minimal supervision while contributing to team success.

  • Must have 5 years of experience with firmware development: specification, design, implementation, integration, debug and maintenance.

Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Digital Engineer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering (BSCE), Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or related STEM Degree with 8 years of related experience.

  • U.S Citizenship is required.

  • Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance. Secret Clearance is required to start. Must be able to maintain this level of clearance for continued employment.

  • Must have 5 years of experience with VHDL programming language.

  • Must have 5 years of experience working in schematic and programmable logic tools such as AMD/Xilinx, Vivado, Altera/Quartus, etc.

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, taking initiative to complete tasks with minimal supervision while contributing to team success.

  • Must have 5 years of experience with firmware development: specification, design, implementation, integration, debug and maintenance.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree in Computer Engineering (MSCE), Electrical Engineering (MSEE) or related STEM Degree with 8+ years of related experience.

  • Knowledge of timing constraints and achieving timing closure.

  • Experience in real-time embedded firmware development knowledge of Radar, Electronic Warfare, or Space technologies.

  • Proficiency with schematic and programmable logic tools such as AMD/Xilinx, Vivado, Altera/Quartus, etc.

  • Proficiency in a Department of Defense (DoD) environment.

  • Ability to collaborate in a team environment.

  • Experience working in a lab/testing environment.

Primary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $149,300.00 - $223,900.00The 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