1

Stealth Startup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Stealth Startup information

See Virginia salary details

$27.2K

$104.9K

$187.7K

How much do stealth startup jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for stealth startup in Virginia is $104,918.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,112.00 and $132,264.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a stealth startup?

A stealth startup is a new business that operates in secret, keeping its products, services, or business model hidden from the public and competitors during its early development stages. This approach allows the company to protect its intellectual property, avoid early competition, and refine its offerings before a public launch. Stealth startups may also use this period to build a strong team, develop their technology, and seek funding, all while maintaining a low profile.

What are some common challenges when joining a stealth startup, and how can I prepare for them?

Joining a stealth startup often means working with limited information about the company's product or market until launch, which can create ambiguity in your day-to-day tasks. You may also encounter rapidly changing priorities as the business pivots and iterates on its core idea. To succeed, it's helpful to be adaptable, proactive in seeking clarification, and comfortable making decisions with imperfect information. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are vital, as teams are usually small and cross-functional, requiring frequent collaboration and flexibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at a stealth startup, and why are they important?

To thrive at a stealth startup, you need a strong entrepreneurial mindset, adaptability, and experience in your area of expertise, often supported by a relevant degree or startup experience. Familiarity with project management tools, collaboration platforms, and, depending on your role, technical stacks like coding languages or design software is common. Initiative, resilience, and excellent communication are critical soft skills in this fast-paced, ambiguous environment. These skills enable you to navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to early-stage company growth.

How to get into a stealth startup?

To get into a stealth startup, focus on building relevant skills such as software development, product management, or marketing, and gain experience in fast-paced, innovative environments. Networking with industry professionals and demonstrating adaptability can also improve your chances, as stealth startups often value candidates who can work independently and handle ambiguity.

What are popular job titles related to Stealth Startup jobs in Virginia?

For Stealth Startup jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Stealth Startup job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,918 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Principal Strategic Planner / Senior Principal Strategic Planner- Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 367 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for aPrincipal Strategic Planner or a Senior Principal Strategic Plannerto join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Strategy team as a Strategy Analyst, which is part of the sector's Strategy & Program Development organization. This position will be based in El Segundo, CA or Falls Church, VA or Melbourne, FL.

The Strategy Analyst will operate in a fast pace, rapidly changing environment, evaluating investment and partnership opportunities and lead/support business case development to drive unique value for the Corporation.

A successful candidate in this role will be interested and motivated to:

Coordinate Technology Scouting Initiatives
The candidate will be responsible for managing sector tech scouting & startup engagements. The candidate will coordinate relationships with internal innovation stakeholders across the sector as well as the external innovation ecosystem (including but not limited to venture capital firms and startup incubators/accelerators). The candidate may attend various defense technology industry conferences as a technology scout for Northrop Grumman.

Source, Analyze, And Execute Strategic Investments
The candidate will support strategic and financial analyses of startups working on technologies aligned with Northrop Grumman's strategic priorities and will assist with the development, execution, and integration of minority equity investments. The candidate will also be responsible for portfolio management activities associated with Northrop Grumman's venture investments.

Support The Development and Execution of Strategic Partnerships
The selected candidate will support the development of portfolio-shaping strategies that optimize the company's positioning for long-term value creation. This may entail helping identify and analyze opportunities with potential partners and preparing detailed reports and presentations. The candidate will assist in coordinating with internal teams to align partnership goals with company objectives and support relationships both internal and external. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for tracking partnership performance metrics and providing insights to assist executive decision making.
Support Ad Hoc Analysis And Special Projects
Respond to or support executive sponsored special projects with dynamic requirements; succinctly and accurately present findings to leadership that includes development of executive-level presentations (e.g., geographic strategies, site selection, industry trends, go-to-market strategies, and mergers & acquisitions).

This requisition may be fulfilled at either a Principal level or Sr. Principal level.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Strategic Planner:

  • Principal Strategy Analyst:Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience in business, finance, engineering/science, or a related discipline; OR a Master's degree with 3 years of experience; OR PhD with 1 year of experience
  • Proven ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize business and financial insights from multiple sources
  • Experience in financial analysis, strategy development, and/or project management
  • The ability to communicate effectively with senior levels of management
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance

Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Strategic Planner:

  • Senior Principal Strategy Analyst:Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience in business, finance, engineering/science, or a related discipline; OR a Master's degree with 6 years of experience; OR a PhD with 4 years of experience
  • Proven ability to collect, analyze, and synthesize business and financial insights from multiple sources
  • Experience in financial analysis, strategy development, and/or project management
  • Ability to communicate effectively with senior levels of management
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Aptitude for working independently, proactively seeking out work, and identifying new business opportunities
  • MBA or other, relevant graduate degree. A technical degree coupled with relevant business education or relevant work experience
  • Demonstrated knowledge in the aerospace and/or defense industry, with familiarity of aircraft engineering and/or manufacturing
  • Ability to quickly learn and research new topics, including advanced materials, robotics, artificial intelligence, and related emerging technologies.
  • Strong familiarity with private and public capital markets, venture capital operations, and startup fundraising activities
  • Background in Consulting, Venture Capital Investment, Investment Banking, Private Equity, or Corporate Strategy and Development
  • Strong analytical, statistical, and critical thinking skills paired with the ability to visualize in a meaningful manner
  • Dynamic self-starter with strong attention to detail, strong work ethic, ability to handle multiple priorities, and the ability to function with minimal guidance
  • Advanced skillset in Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with data analysis tools is a plus
  • Current DOD Secret or higher clearance

Level 3 Principal Strategic Planner

El Segundo, CA: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 USD Annual

Falls Church, VA: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 USD Annual

Melbourne, FL: $89,400.00 - 134,200.00 USD Annual

Level 4 Senior Principal Strategic Planner

El Segundo, CA: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 USD Annual

Falls Church, VA: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 USD Annual

Melbourne, FL:$111,700.00 - $167,500.00 USD Annual

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $111,700.00 - $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.

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