Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Engineer Software (T03) –Integration & Test Automation to join our team on site in San Diego, CA or Palmdale, CA.
The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) construct. Candidates will work on software supporting various systems in all phases of the software development lifecycle including design, development and test.
Roles and Responsibilities will include:
•Analyze requirements allocated to computer software configuration items.
•Design, develop, maintain and execute automated software tests for qualification of embedded software products
•Develop and execute software installation, integration, and acceptance test procedures in an automated test environment.
•Develop detailed, clear, and quality technical documentation.
•Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
•Submit detailed problem reports for errors found.
•Perform statement of work within development, lab, and operational environments
•Collaborate closely with system engineers, hardware designers, integration/test engineers, and program leadership.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.
Basic Qualifications:
•Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and1 years of related engineering experience.
•Experience in software integration, software testing, test automation, and debugging.
•Experience with the full formal SW Dev Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies and requirements through test.
•Must be able to independently determine and develop approach to solutions.
•Professional Experience with Agile Framework and methodologies
•Skilled in software integration planning and execution of separate software components into a single system
•Professional Experience Implementing software and scripts in one or more Object Oriented Programming languages: C/C++, C#, OR Java, AND Python OR JavaScript within the last 3 years
•Professional Experience with Software Change Control, Change Management, and CI/CD tools such as: Atlassian tool suite, GitHub, GitLab, AND/OR Jenkins within the last 3 years
•Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
•Active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
•Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Access Program (SAP) access via a Program Access Request (PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
•Note: SAP/PAR will be upgraded once selected candidate is in role. Therefore, candidate must also be able to obtain and maintain upgraded SAP/PAR.)
Preferred Qualifications:
•Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
•Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.
•2 + years of Experience back-end development specifically using Node.js in production environment.
•Demonstrated Professional Experience with developing, integrating, and/or Testing on multi-threaded SW used for one of the following real-time applications: flight critical SW, Safety critical SW, medical SW, or mission critical SW.
•Experience with Testing Methodologies, Frameworks, and Automated Testing using: GoogleTest, TestComplete, Cucumber, Atlas, Eggplant, Unit Test Factory, ATF (Automated Test Framework), Robot, AQT or similar.
•Professional Experience Architecting, Designing, Modeling (Rhapsody or Cameo), Implementing, Maintaining, Integrating, Debugging, Verifying and Qualifying Safety-Critical Embedded Real Time Software OR Command & Control Software written in OO C++ running on Real-Time Operating Systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux.
•Ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders.
•Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills.
•Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
•Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership, teamwork capabilities, strong time management, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
•Recent Professional Experience with DOORs AND/OR Software Requirement Specification Testing using Simulators, automated scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, JavaScript, QSA/QT AND/OR Bash.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00The 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 a STEM discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience, or a master's degree and 3 years, or a PhD and 1 year
- Experience in software integration, software testing, test automation, and debugging
- Experience with formal software development lifecycle methodologies and requirements through test
- Ability to independently determine and develop solution approaches
- Professional experience with Agile frameworks and methodologies
- Experience planning and executing integration of separate software components into a single system
- Professional experience with C/C++, C#, or Java and Python or JavaScript within the last three years
- Professional experience with software change control, change management, and CI/CD tools such as Atlassian, GitHub, GitLab, or Jenkins within the last three years
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to interface with employees and management at all levels
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI clearance with a recent background investigation or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain initial and upgraded Special Access Program access through a Program Access Request
- Current applicable Special Access Program clearance
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering
- At least two years of production back-end development experience using Node.js
- Experience developing, integrating, or testing multithreaded software for flight-critical, safety-critical, medical, or mission-critical applications
- Experience with automated testing methodologies and frameworks such as GoogleTest, TestComplete, Cucumber, Atlas, Eggplant, Unit Test Factory, ATF, Robot, or AQT
- Experience with safety-critical embedded real-time or command-and-control software using OO C++ and VxWorks, Integrity, or Real-Time Embedded Linux
- Ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders
- Technical writing and communication experience
- Experience with Confluence and JIRA
- Leadership, teamwork, time management, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
- Recent experience with DOORS, software requirements specification testing, simulators, Python, MATLAB, JavaScript, QSA/QT, or Bash
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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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.
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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.
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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.






