Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Flight Software Engineer - Level 3/4 to join our Western Region Software Engineering team. This position is located onsite in Redondo Beach, CA.
The Western Region Software Engineering organization comprises over 800 highly skilled professionals, including Software Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Database Administrators, and Network Engineers, at all levels—ranging from early-career engineers to senior chief engineers and architects. This engineering organization supports numerous programs, and we have plenty of opportunities for career advancement into higher level technical roles or leadership positions. Our culture promotes cross-program collaboration, continuous professional development, and a strong sense of community.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Design, develop, integrate, and verify/test flight software solutions for embedded and real-time systems.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test—within an Agile development environment.
- Understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and implement and debug software to meet defined completion criteria.
The Flight Software Engineer will work in a rapid, fast-paced program environment and must be a self-starter who can operate efficiently in a team setting. Existing engineering and systems specialists will be available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, the selected individual will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to Technical Leads, as required, to implement assigned tasking.
This position can be filled at either a level 3 or a level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Flight Software Engineer - Level 3:
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant engineering experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of stated experience; PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of stated experience
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
- Strong background in embedded C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming
- Strong background in integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a lab environment
- Proficiency with Python
- Experience writing driver-level software for serial or networking applications (UART, TCP, UDP)
- Experience developing in a Linux environment
- Experience working in Agile software development using the Atlassian Tool Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control
Basic Qualifications for Flight Software Engineer - Level 4:
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant engineering experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 6 years of stated experience; PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of stated experience
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
- Strong background in embedded C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming
- Strong background in integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a lab environment
- Proficiency with Python
- Experience writing driver-level software for serial or networking applications (UART, TCP, UDP)
- Experience developing in a Linux environment
- Experience working in Agile software development using the Atlassian Tool Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with software development in Docker containerized environment
- Experience with Shell scripting
- Experience with CCSDS Space Packet Protocol
- Experience with software development leveraging CI/CD pipeline tools such as Jenkins
- Experience developing or interfacing with Optical, RF, or IR payloads
- Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance and/or SCI Access
#LosAngelesSpace
#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of relevant engineering experience; or master's degree with 3 years; or PhD with 1 year for Level 3
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of relevant engineering experience; or master's degree with 6 years; or PhD with 4 years for Level 4
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at the time of application
- Strong embedded C/C++ development experience, including object-oriented and thread-safe programming
- Experience integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a laboratory environment
- Proficiency with Python
- Experience writing driver-level software for serial or networking applications, including UART, TCP, or UDP
- Experience developing in a Linux environment
- Experience with Agile software development, Atlassian Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence, and Git version control
- Experience developing software in a Docker containerized environment
- Shell scripting experience
- Experience with CCSDS Space Packet Protocol
- Experience with CI/CD pipeline tools such as Jenkins
- Experience developing or interfacing with Optical, RF, or IR payloads
- Ability and willingness to obtain a 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.


.jpg)





