Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret)

Posted 2 Days Ago
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Redondo Beach, CA, USA
In-Office
114K-213K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Design, develop, integrate, test, and debug embedded real-time software. Support architecture and lifecycle of embedded/RTOS systems, collaborate with systems, hardware, and test teams in Agile, troubleshoot system issues, and work in a fast-paced lab environment.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

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.

*Please be aware that this position will be contingent upon capturing program award(s), obtaining and maintaining customer and/or business funding, and holding final clearances prior to start date.*
 

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret) to join our team of highly qualified, diverse professionals within the Western Region Software Engineering Directorate. This position is located onsite in Redondo Beach, CA.
 

The job responsibilities of the Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4 include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design, develop, document, integrate, test, and debug software solutions for end‑user customers
  • Support the architecture, development, and lifecycle management of embedded and real‑time systems.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test—within an Agile development environment.
  • Analyze system capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, data acquisition, programming methods, and control strategies.
  • Selected candidate will work in a fast-paced lab environment with rapid development
     

*Please be aware that this position will be contingent upon capturing program award(s), obtaining and maintaining customer and/or business funding, and holding final clearances prior to start date.*
 

This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on the qualifications listed below.
 

Basic Qualifications – Embedded Software Engineer (Level 3):

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of software development experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ years of stated experience or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 1+ year of stated experience
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, executing in an embedded Linux or RTOS environment (i.e., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RT-Linux, GH Integrity)
  • Proficiency in Java programming, executing in an application environment
  • Proficiency in Object Oriented programming
  • Prior work experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
  • Prior work experience in developing and debugging embedded real-time systems

Basic Qualifications – Embedded Software Engineer (Level 4):

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of software development experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of stated experience or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 4+ years of stated experience
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, executing in an embedded Linux or RTOS environment (i.e., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RT-Linux, GH Integrity)
  • Proficiency in Java programming, executing in an application environment
  • Proficiency in Object Oriented programming
  • Prior work experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
  • Prior work experience in developing and debugging embedded real-time systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Software Defined Networks
    • Data Plane protocols such as Ethernet, IPv4 and IPv6, MPLS, TCP/UDP and other transport protocols
    • Control Plane protocols such as OSPF/IS-IS, BGP, ICMP
    • SDN architectures and protocols such as P4, gRPC/gNMI, Openflow
    • Network management architectures and protocols such as SNMP/MIBs, NETCONF/YANG
  • Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado, Petalinux)
  • Recent Experience with Xilinx platforms (Ultrascale+ MPSoC or VERSAL)
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
  • Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance and/or SCI Access

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years (Level 3) or 8+ years (Level 4); alternative: Master's or Ph.D. with equivalent experience
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at time of application
  • U.S. Citizenship required for positions with government clearance
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ for embedded Linux or RTOS environments
  • Proficiency in Java programming
  • Proficiency in Object Oriented programming
  • Prior experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
  • Prior experience developing and debugging embedded real-time systems
  • Experience with Software Defined Networks and related protocols (Ethernet, IPv4/IPv6, MPLS, TCP/UDP, OSPF/IS-IS, BGP, ICMP, P4, gRPC/gNMI, OpenFlow, SNMP, NETCONF/YANG)
  • Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado, Petalinux) and platforms (Ultrascale+ MPSoC, VERSAL)
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
  • Ability and willingness to obtain Top Secret clearance and/or SCI access

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.

  • Retirement Support 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
  • Parental & Family Support Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.

Northrop Grumman Insights

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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