Principal Industrial Engineer Jobs
Principal Industrial Engineer jobs are open across manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, and healthcare, from senior contributor to principal and staff levels, with specializations in process optimization, lean manufacturing, and systems engineering. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 44+ Principal Industrial Engineer jobs
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. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and Cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems has an opening for a Sr Principal Industrial Engineer (Level 4) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in San Diego, CA.
What You Will Get To Do:
The Industrial Engineering Team is an integral part of day-to-day operations and routinely works alongside many of the other organizations here in San Diego. This is a team that comes together to learn, collaborate, and overcome challenges in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for applicants that enjoy working with and learning from their peers and are not afraid to jump in and make a difference!
Responsibilities will include:
- Analyzes lead times, queue times, work-in-process, cycle times, and throughput to meet customer demand most effectively and efficiently
- Builds scalable and sustainable models to optimize product flow, while incorporating cost, schedule, and resource constraints
- Incorporates complex interdependencies within a system to account for the interaction of multiple cost centers, programs, equipment, and tools
- Communicates requirements planning and systems framework with IT, ERP, business analytics, and data science teams
- Guides digital transformation efforts to align with sector and enterprise strategies
- Leads and drives positive change using iterative and agile methodologies
- Creates new metrics and data visualizations to monitor shop floor performance
- Complete time studies and follow through with action items resulting from the study
- Analyzes and designs sequence of operations and work flow to improve efficiencies in plant and production facilities and equipment layouts; and establishes methods for maximum utilization of production facilities and personnel.
- May establish or assist in establishing accident prevention measures and may manage training programs for personnel concerning all phases of production operations.
- Conducts studies pertaining to cost control, cost reduction, inventory control, and production record systems. On the basis of these studies, develops and implements plans and programs for facility modifications and revisions to operating methods. May assist facilities engineers in the planning and design of facilities.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's of Science degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with a minimum of 8 years of Industrial Engineering experience in a manufacturing production environment; OR a Master’s of Science degree with a minimum of 5 years of Industrial Engineering experience in a manufacturing production environment; OR a minimum of 12 years of Engineering experience in a manufacturing production environment in lieu of degree.
- Minimum 1 year of experience with data mining, data analysis, or data visualization software applications e.g. Excel, Tableau, etc.
- Minimum 1 year of experience with EVMS (Earned Value Management System)
- Ability to obtain and maintain US Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access
- US Citizenship
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 2 years of demonstrated experience leading project teams
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with improving manufacturing workflow using optimization, modeling, or simulation methods
- Experience with agile methods of project management or development
- Strong experience designing visualizations in Tableau in a professional work environment
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: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 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.
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. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and Cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems has an opening for a Sr Principal Industrial Engineer (Level 4) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in San Diego, CA.
What You Will Get To Do:
The Industrial Engineering Team is an integral part of day-to-day operations and routinely works alongside many of the other organizations here in San Diego. This is a team that comes together to learn, collaborate, and overcome challenges in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for applicants that enjoy working with and learning from their peers and are not afraid to jump in and make a difference!
Responsibilities will include:
- Analyzes lead times, queue times, work-in-process, cycle times, and throughput to meet customer demand most effectively and efficiently
- Builds scalable and sustainable models to optimize product flow, while incorporating cost, schedule, and resource constraints
- Incorporates complex interdependencies within a system to account for the interaction of multiple cost centers, programs, equipment, and tools
- Communicates requirements planning and systems framework with IT, ERP, business analytics, and data science teams
- Guides digital transformation efforts to align with sector and enterprise strategies
- Leads and drives positive change using iterative and agile methodologies
- Creates new metrics and data visualizations to monitor shop floor performance
- Complete time studies and follow through with action items resulting from the study
- Analyzes and designs sequence of operations and work flow to improve efficiencies in plant and production facilities and equipment layouts; and establishes methods for maximum utilization of production facilities and personnel.
- May establish or assist in establishing accident prevention measures and may manage training programs for personnel concerning all phases of production operations.
- Conducts studies pertaining to cost control, cost reduction, inventory control, and production record systems. On the basis of these studies, develops and implements plans and programs for facility modifications and revisions to operating methods. May assist facilities engineers in the planning and design of facilities.
Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's of Science degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) with a minimum of 8 years of Industrial Engineering experience in a manufacturing production environment; OR a Master’s of Science degree with a minimum of 5 years of Industrial Engineering experience in a manufacturing production environment; OR a minimum of 12 years of Engineering experience in a manufacturing production environment in lieu of degree.
- Minimum 1 year of experience with data mining, data analysis, or data visualization software applications e.g. Excel, Tableau, etc.
- Minimum 1 year of experience with EVMS (Earned Value Management System)
- Ability to obtain and maintain US Secret Security Clearance and Special Program Access
- US Citizenship
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 2 years of demonstrated experience leading project teams
- Experience working with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment
- Experience with improving manufacturing workflow using optimization, modeling, or simulation methods
- Experience with agile methods of project management or development
- Strong experience designing visualizations in Tableau in a professional work environment
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: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00 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.
Principal Industrial Engineer Jobs by Experience Level
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Find JobsPrincipal Industrial Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Arcadis10
- Northrop Grumman10
- SAP3
- Amazon3
- Civil & Environmental Consultants3
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services11
- Construction & Real Estate6
- Technology & Software2
- Retail1
- E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal industrial engineer jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in industrial engineering or a closely related field
- 7 or more years of industrial engineering experience with demonstrated leadership on complex projects
- Proficiency in simulation software such as Arena, FlexSim, or similar discrete-event tools
- Lean Six Sigma certification at the Green Belt or Black Belt level
- Experience with ERP systems and data analysis tools including SQL or Python
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives from scoping through implementation
Tips for Your Principal Industrial Engineer Job Search
Quantify process improvements on your resume
Principal-level roles demand proof of impact, not just ownership. Replace vague bullets with specific outcomes: cycle time reductions, throughput gains, or cost savings tied to projects you led. Reviewers at this level are skimming for measurable engineering results, not responsibilities.
Target postings that name your methodology
Filter openings by the methods you know deeply, whether that's Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, or discrete-event simulation. A job that lists your exact toolkit signals a team already aligned with your approach, which shortens both ramp-up time and interview friction.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists principal industrial engineer openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight cross-functional leadership experience
Hiring managers for principal roles want engineers who've driven change across operations, finance, and supply chain, not just within a single team. Call out projects where you aligned stakeholders outside engineering or led initiatives that crossed departmental lines.
Prepare a case study for the technical interview
Principal industrial engineer interviews often include a live problem-solving session or a take-home case. Bring a concise, structured example from your own work that walks through problem definition, analysis method, solution design, and the actual result you achieved.
Negotiate scope before discussing compensation
At the principal level, your leverage is highest when you anchor the conversation to the complexity of the role first. Clarify reporting structure, budget authority, and project ownership before salary comes up, because those factors define what the number should actually reflect.
Principal Industrial Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most principal industrial engineers?
The companies hiring the most principal industrial engineers right now include Arcadis, Northrop Grumman, and SAP, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Virginia, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially concentrated in manufacturing, defense contracting, and large-scale logistics operations.
How many principal industrial engineer jobs are remote?
About 81% of principal industrial engineer openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, though the share varies significantly by industry. Roles focused on systems modeling, data analysis, and process design documentation tend to offer the most location flexibility, while positions tied to plant-floor operations or capital project implementation are typically on-site.
How do you become a principal industrial engineer?
Start with a degree in industrial engineering, then build experience across process analysis, project leadership, and cross-functional improvement initiatives. Progress through mid-level roles by owning measurable outcomes in lean, simulation, or supply chain optimization. Principal status typically follows demonstrated ability to define engineering strategy, mentor others, and drive enterprise-level change independently.
Can I get a principal industrial engineer job with limited experience?
Moving directly into a principal role with limited experience is rare because the title signals independent leadership of complex, high-stakes projects. The most practical path is to close the gap by seeking stretch assignments at your current employer, earning a Black Belt certification, or targeting smaller organizations where principal-level scope is accessible earlier in a career.
What does the principal industrial engineer interview process look like?
The process typically starts with a recruiter screen, followed by a technical interview covering methods like value stream mapping, simulation modeling, or statistical analysis. Later rounds usually involve a case study or take-home exercise, then panel interviews with engineering leadership and cross-functional stakeholders. Expect questions about how you've influenced decisions outside your direct authority.
Where can I find and apply to principal industrial engineer jobs?
You can find and apply to principal industrial engineer jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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