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 are making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSS), Rolling Meadows, IL is seeking an Associate Embedded Software Engineer or an Embedded Software Engineer to contribute to full-cycle product development of new software subsystems and defense electronics as well as customization of current systems to support customer needs.
As a Associate Embedded Software Engineer or an Embedded Software Engineer, you will be supporting a team of experienced engineers performing requirements analysis and system, design, coding, test and verification activities using state-of-the-art tools and techniques. These products and systems power the next generation of products. Our products are integrated with our customers’ machines and systems and many of the applications are highly customized and unique.
We are interested in highly motivated candidates with embedded software design experience with focus on software interactions with safety critical real-time systems, digital signal processing, and secure software solutions.
This position requires all applicants to be U.S. Citizens.
Required Qualifications:
- For Associate Embedded Software Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university
- For Embedded Software Engineer: Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of related experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline
- Experience developing software in C/C++
- Experience with scripting languages such as: Python, JavaScript, Perl, Unix/DOS shell scripts
- Working knowledge of electronic test equipment (Oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers)
- Experience with hands-on lab testing of electronic equipment
- Basic understanding of digital signal processing concepts
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI, which requires U.S. Citizenship
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active or Current Top Secret clearance with SCI
- Working knowledge of RTOS (RTLinux, VxWorks, Integrity) concepts and operation
- Experience with Linux Embedded real-time OS development (Yocto)
- Experience developing in a hybrid Linux/Windows environment
- Working knowledge of Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket)
- Understanding of Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms and architectures
- Experience developing drivers and BSPs for custom hardware platforms
- Experience with System on a Chip (AMD, Xilinx, Altera) software/FPGA integration
- Experience with digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms
- Experience with hands-on hardware testing, debugging and board bring-up
- Experience with GNU Radio and/or Redhawk SDR development
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university for the Associate Embedded Software Engineer role
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline plus two years of related experience, or a master's degree in a STEM discipline, for the Embedded Software Engineer role
- Experience developing software in C or C++
- Experience with scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, Perl, or Unix/DOS shell scripts
- Working knowledge of electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and spectrum analyzers
- Hands-on laboratory testing of electronic equipment
- Basic understanding of digital signal processing concepts
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI
- U.S. citizenship
- Active or current Top Secret clearance with SCI
- Working knowledge of RTOS concepts and operation, including RTLinux, VxWorks, or Integrity
- Experience with embedded Linux real-time OS development using Yocto
- Experience developing in hybrid Linux and Windows environments
- Working knowledge of the Atlassian tool suite, including Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket
- Understanding of Software Defined Radio platforms and architectures
- Experience developing drivers and board support packages for custom hardware platforms
- Experience with System on a Chip software and FPGA integration, including AMD, Xilinx, or Altera platforms
- Experience developing digital signal processing algorithms
- Hands-on hardware testing, debugging, and board bring-up experience
- Experience with GNU Radio or Redhawk SDR development
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
