Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Engineer DevOps – SW Engr III (26-404) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.
This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.
Position Overview:
The Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program forms a crucial part of the Missile Defense System. It is an essential operational platform that allows the U.S. president, Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders to:
- Systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations
- Collectively monitor the battle as it develops
- Dynamically manage designated, networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission objectives
C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and phases of flight. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations—both globally and regionally—to improve performance. C2BMC is also essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.
As a Software Engineer III focused on DevOps and CI/CD, you will help drive modern software delivery practices and resilient infrastructure for this mission-critical enterprise.
Essential Functions:
In this role, you will:
- Design, build, implement, and maintain scalable CI/CD pipelines using tools such as GitLab CI and Jenkins to support efficient, reliable software delivery
- Develop and maintain complex software applications in languages such as Python, Java, and scripting languages including Bash and PowerShell
- Implement solutions for an enterprise-scale network, including Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Software-defined Networking (SDN) approaches to optimize and automate network management
- Develop and maintain documentation for all software assets, including CI/CD pipelines, architecture diagrams, configuration details, and tooling guides
- Develop and enhance automation scripts and services (primarily in Python or Java) to improve DevOps workflows and reduce manual effort
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues across building systems, pipelines, and cloud-based or virtualized environments to restore services quickly and improve system reliability
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to refine deployment processes, improve system performance, and enhance operational efficiency
- Create, maintain, and present KPIs and other metrics related to Network Enterprise, providing clear, data-driven insights to leadership and stakeholders
- Support critical activities outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by mission needs
- Perform any other required tasks necessary to meet program objectives in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment
Basic Qualifications:
Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 5 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 9 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree
- Applicants must have a current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, GSEC, SCNP, SSCP, CISSP, CISA, GSE, SCNA, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their 8140 certifications throughout the entire contract period
- Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start, with the ability to obtain Top Secret clearance
- Must be able to travel to alternate work locations to execute job duties such as deployments, test events, or operational support
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create and present clear technical content using Microsoft PowerPoint and Visio
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a high-performance team environment, as well as independently on large field or deployment projects
- Experience coding in Python and Java, and scripting in Bash and PowerShell
- Understanding of object-oriented programming principles, RESTful API integration, and Git-based version control practices
- Strong ability in scripting and test automation of software tools and services
- Experience with Git-based version control systems (e.g., GitLab)
- Experience building, maintaining, or supporting CI/CD pipelines utilizing DevOps practices (e.g., GitLab CI, Jenkins)
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) and Agile methodologies
- Experience troubleshooting and resolving moderately complex system or pipeline issues
- Experience collaborating across teams to deliver features, automation, and process improvements
Preferred Qualifications:
- Applicants with a current, active in-scope Government-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application are highly preferred
- Prior C2BMC program experience or direct Missile Defense System experience
- Experience developing KPIs and tracking metrics, including creating clear reports and dashboards for technical and leadership audiences
- Front-end design experience, particularly in JavaScript (ideally React), TypeScript, HTML, and CSS
- Experience in cybersecurity, especially vulnerability management, monitoring, and remediation activities within mission or enterprise environments
- Experience with commercial automation and infrastructure tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and/or VMware Aria
- Experience with basic networking principles and configuration of networking equipment
- Familiarity with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker) and basic orchestration concepts
- Experience with major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation)
- Exposure to Kubernetes or other container orchestration platforms
What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:
- Health Plan
- Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Education Assistance
- Training and Development
- Flexible Work Arrangements
https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx
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Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The 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 Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field plus 5 years of experience; or a related Master’s degree plus 3 years of relevant experience; or 9 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree
- Current, active Government-issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher, such as Security+ CE, GSEC, SCNP, SSCP, CISSP, CISA, GSE, or SCNA
- Current, active in-scope Government-issued Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain Top Secret clearance
- Ability to travel to alternate work locations for deployments, test events, or operational support
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including creating and presenting technical content using Microsoft PowerPoint and Visio
- Ability to collaborate in high-performance teams and work independently on large field or deployment projects
- Experience coding in Python and Java and scripting in Bash and PowerShell
- Understanding of object-oriented programming, RESTful API integration, and Git-based version control
- Strong scripting and test automation experience for software tools and services
- Experience with Git-based version control systems such as GitLab
- Experience building, maintaining, or supporting CI/CD pipelines using DevOps practices such as GitLab CI and Jenkins
- Understanding of the software development lifecycle and Agile methodologies
- Experience troubleshooting and resolving moderately complex system or pipeline issues
- Experience collaborating across teams to deliver features, automation, and process improvements
- Current, active in-scope Government-issued Top Secret security clearance
- Prior C2BMC or direct Missile Defense System experience
- Experience developing KPIs, metrics, reports, and dashboards for technical and leadership audiences
- Front-end design experience with JavaScript, React, TypeScript, HTML, and CSS
- Cybersecurity experience involving vulnerability management, monitoring, and remediation
- Experience with Ansible, Terraform, and/or VMware Aria
- Basic networking principles and networking equipment configuration experience
- Familiarity with Docker and container orchestration concepts
- Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Familiarity with Infrastructure as Code tools such as Terraform or CloudFormation
- Exposure to Kubernetes or other container orchestration platforms
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.









