Principal Engineer Software

Posted One Month Ago
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El Segundo, CA, USA
In-Office
114K-171K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Develop and integrate embedded software for advanced aerospace and tactical systems. Responsibilities include full SDLC participation, C/C++ development, software debugging and testing, peer reviews, requirements implementation, technology evaluation, and collaboration with systems, hardware, and integration teams in an Agile environment. The role is onsite in El Segundo, California, requires a Secret clearance at start, and involves approximately 10% travel.
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.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.

Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Engineer Software position for embedded software to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals onsite in El Segundo, CA.

Accomplish

You will report to the Research & Advanced Design organization using technologies that include 5G/NextG communications, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and future wireless technologies in support of tactical applications for the warfighter.

You will support a research area associated with a key program lab environment, so please note that telecommute/remote is not an option.

Key responsibilities:

  • Work all phases of the software development cycle including design, development, integration, and test in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels.

  • Conduct peer reviews of software-related products, software designs, and additional technical documents.

  •  Participate in a cross-functional scrum team including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test.

  • Understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and implement and debug software to accomplish defined completion criteria. 

  • Identify and assess new technologies prior to implementation.

You must be a self-starter and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, you will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to technical leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.

Succeed

The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience, or a PhD in STEM with 1 year of experience.

  • Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

  • Background in embedded C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming as well as familiarity with Python.

  • Background in integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a lab environment including debugging, tracing and understanding complex code bases.

  • Experience with Agile software development using tools like the Atlassian Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control

  • Must have the ability to transfer and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. Secret clearance required at start.

     

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience cross-compiling with GCC in a hybrid Linux/Windows environment

  • Experience working in Agile software development using the Atlassian Tool Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control

  • Experience with 5G/6G technologies, including base station setup and connecting User Equipment via SIM card

  • Experience with software development leveraging CI/CD pipeline tools such as Jenkins

  • Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, UDP, TCP)

  • Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations

  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications

  • Experience with software control of digital logic / FPGAs / firmware

  • Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience

  • Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills

Thrive with Us

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being of all our employees. We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now. 

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

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 and 5 years of related engineering experience
  • Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience, as an alternative to a bachelor's degree
  • PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience, as an alternative degree pathway
  • Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle
  • Embedded C/C++ development experience, including object-oriented and thread-safe programming
  • Familiarity with Python
  • Experience integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a laboratory environment
  • Experience debugging, tracing, and understanding complex code bases
  • Agile software development experience using Atlassian tools and Git version control
  • Ability to transfer and maintain a U.S. Government clearance and Special Access Program clearance
  • Secret clearance required at start
  • Experience cross-compiling with GCC in hybrid Linux and Windows environments
  • Experience with 5G or 6G technologies, base station setup, and SIM-based user equipment connections
  • Experience developing software with CI/CD pipeline tools such as Jenkins
  • Experience with I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, UDP, and TCP communication protocols
  • Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development or modifications
  • Experience controlling digital logic, FPGAs, or firmware through software
  • Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience
  • Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills

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

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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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