Posted:
8/27/2025, 10:25:31 AM
Location(s):
Colorado, United States ⋅ Aurora, Colorado, United States
Experience Level(s):
Expert or higher ⋅ Senior
Field(s):
Software Engineering
The Payload and Ground Systems, a division within Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems Sector is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, redefining engineering capabilities, and driving advances in various sciences through cutting-edge technology. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, and 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 Space Systems is seeking a Principal (level 3) Software Engineer to join our team in the Payload and Ground Systems Division Engineering organization supporting the Integrated National Systems (INS) Business Unit (BU) to support a Ground program related to space-based optical communications systems.
The candidate will work on expanding proof of concept network simulation software to a more feature rich software product. The work will include complex algorithm development for software that contains logical and mathematical solutions to quantify and optimize operational decision-making and mission performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in analytic and scientific programming, and attributes that include collaboration, creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. The candidate should place a high value on rigorous testing, comprehensive documentation, and the maintainability of the software solutions. The candidate should expect to work in office in a collaborative environment with a team that includes atmospheric scientists and systems engineers.
Job responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: Contribute to architecture decisions by evaluating the pros and cons of approaches and technologies, and how they align with the project's goals and requirements. Design and implement new software or modify existing software to add new features. Identify and fix bugs in the code, while considering the impact greater impact on the software application as a whole. Develop tests that verify the correctness of the code and ensure it meets system requirements. Design, develop, and modify software pipelines and deployment methods to automate the software development process, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Collaborate with other teams, such as network specialists, to ensure that the simulation software properly models relevant parameters.
This role/position is contingent upon contract award.
Basic Qualifications:
Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application
Must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI security clearance after starting work and must be willing and able to favorably succeed a counterintelligence polygraph
Bachelor’s degree in Science with 5+ years of software development experience; 3+ years with a Master's; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
3+ years of non-internship professional software development experience in Python
Experience in software architecture design patterns
A basic understanding of the network stack and associated network protocols
Strong software engineering fundamentals
Preferred Qualifications:
Active TS/SCI or TS with SCI eligibility security clearance
Favorably adjudicated polygraph (CI or FSP)
Experience with developing or using containerized software
Experience with DevOps fundamentals and the maintenance of software pipelines
Experience with productizing software solutions
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