Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4 to join our team in Dulles, VA.
This role will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization developing 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 National Security Space systems, NASA space science missions, and communication satellites. This position will sit in Dulles, VA and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
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.
Other duties as assigned
If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team!
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3 (Principal):
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with a minimum of 5 years of embedded software experience – OR – Master’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 3 years of embedded software experience – OR PhD degree Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 1 year of embedded software experience.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.Approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the company, to meet business needs.US Citizenship required.
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
Experience with software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git
Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management
Basic Qualifications for Level 4 (Sr Principal):
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with a minimum of 8 years of embedded software experience – OR – Master’s degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 6 years of embedded software experience – OR PhD degree Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 4 years of embedded software experience.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.Approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe, as determined by the company, to meet business needs.US Citizenship required.
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
Experience with software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git
Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management
Preferred Qualifications:
Active/Current TS/SCI
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
Advanced proficiency in software development using C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting
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
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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 Electrical/Computer Engineering or related STEM and embedded software experience (Level 3: 5+ years; Level 4: 8+ years)
- Ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with SCI access (U.S. Citizenship required)
- Programming experience in C/C++, Python, and Windows/Linux scripting
- Understanding of software development lifecycles (waterfall, spiral, Agile) and continuous integration
- Experience with software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in small teams
- Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management
- Experience with Jenkins, Jira, Bitbucket, and related DevSecOps tools
- Hardware interfacing, integration, test, and controls experience
- Experience with real-time operating systems and avionics integration/test practices
- Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards and National Instruments proprietary software
- Knowledge of Digital/Analog interfaces and serial protocols (RS-422, UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire)
- Active/current TS/SCI clearance
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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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.
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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.
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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
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.







