Posted:
1/20/2026, 12:08:22 AM
Location(s):
Virginia, United States
Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Software Engineering
Workplace Type:
On-site
We have an opening for a Simulation Software Engineer/Principal Simulation Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Tactical Space Systems organization developing simulation models and space vehicle hardware-in-the-loop simulation platforms for large and small space programs. These high-fidelity test platforms provide a hardware/software facsimile of space vehicle component interfaces to flight processors for flight software and mission development and qualification. The candidate will be part of a small design team supporting various programs such as NASA ISS Commercial resupply (Cygnus), and Habitat and Logistics Outpost (HALO) as part of the gateway program. This position will be located onsite in Dulles, VA.
Roles and Responsibilities:
In this role you will:
Software development using C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting
Establish simulation requirements for hardware in the loop platforms.
Select off-the-shelf or design interface hardware to simulate space vehicle components (actuators, sensors, and payloads).
Develop simulation software models and software interfaces to simulation hardware cards, including digital, analog, serial, and SpaceWire.
Define simulation testbed harnessing based on the space vehicle flight harness and simulation requirements.
Interface with hardware engineers in the design, build, and test of the simulation platforms.
Implement software control of simulation platform test equipment.
Develop and execute simulation certification loop back testing.
Work with program engineers to integrate components and flight software with the simulation platform.
Use common lab equipment (oscilloscopes, break out boxes, multimeters, interface analyzers) for debug and problem resolution.
Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years experience, Master's degree and 0 years experience (Level 2).
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years experience, Master's degree and 3 years experience, OR Ph.D in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field (Level 3).
Diverse programming experience: C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting
Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams
Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous integration
Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git
Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management
US Citizenship required
Preferred Qualifications:
System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization
Understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools
Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience
Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
Experience with or awareness of earned value management
Experience working closely with and/or leading cross departmental teams
Experience with closed loop simulations
Experience developing software in a Linux OS environment
Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards and National Instruments proprietary software
Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces
Website: https://northropgrumman.com/
Headquarter Location: Falls Church, Virginia, United States
Employee Count: 10001+
Year Founded: 1994
IPO Status: Public
Last Funding Type: Grant
Industries: Data Integration ⋅ Manufacturing ⋅ Remote Sensing ⋅ Security ⋅ Software