Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Software Engineer - User Experience Applications to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Software organization. This position will be filled out of our Software Engineering organization and will support the team on site in San Diego, CA.
The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.
Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Collaborate and work in a team environment with Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile software development environment.
• Participate in the software development cycle including prototype and graphic user interface design, implementation and delivery of build/test/release.
• Work with object-oriented programming, design patterns, JMS, Web Services, XML and related technologies (i.e., XPath, XSLT, XSD)
• Develop enterprise solutions for Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) in a SOA environment
• Work in a process-oriented software development environment across the software lifecycle
• Collaborate with team members on a regular basis.
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. An occasional travel requirement up to 10% may be needed.
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.
• Experience with the full SW Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Experience with Agile SW development, SW integration and testing.
• Experience with the following programming and scripting languages: Java, C, C++, and Python.
• Experience with two of the following tools: Jira, GitLab, Docker, Fortify, Coverity, or Black Duck.
• Active U.S. Government Top Secret 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Able to document, capture, and present software architectural components in modeling or diagramming tools.
• Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) access.
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 related engineering experience OR Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years related engineering experience.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance (background investigation within past 5 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).
- Ability to obtain and maintain initial and subsequent Special Access Program (SAP) access via Program Access Request (PAR) prior to and during employment.
- Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
- Experience with Agile software development, software integration, and testing.
- Experience with programming and scripting languages: Java, C, C++, and Python.
- Experience with object-oriented programming, design patterns, JMS, Web Services, and XML technologies (XPath, XSLT, XSD).
- Develop enterprise solutions for Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) in a SOA environment.
- Experience with at least two of these tools: Jira, GitLab, Docker, Fortify, Coverity, Black Duck.
- Must be able to work full-time on-site in San Diego, CA (no remote/hybrid).
- Willingness/ability to travel up to 10% as needed.
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps, Systems Test) in an Agile environment.
- Preferred: Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) access.
- Preferred: Ability to document and present software architecture using modeling or diagramming tools.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.







