Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This role is located in Melbourne, FL.
The Virtual Simulation Team’s mission is to provide our warfighter customer with a realistic aircraft simulation and tactical environment to assess operational suitability and develop preliminary concepts of employment. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and modifying software for use in pilot-in-the-loop simulation of combat weapons systems employment.
The simulation software is primarily written in C++ along with some applications in other high level programming languages (Java, Python, etc.). The Virtual Simulation lab supports a relatively small, close-knit team of 14 software developers, 4 lab engineers, and 10-12 other regular users. This highly dynamic work environment requires software engineers with a diverse set of complementing skills, commitment to the small team dynamic, and a strong desire to learn new skills.
Essential Functions:
- Design and implement real-time, pilot-in-the-loop simulation software that enables requirements validation and mission-level evaluation of next-gen tactical aircraft
- Create or adapt simulation frameworks and modules (e.g., airframe, kinematics, sensors, weapons, C2, threat models)
- Partner with domain SMEs to translate aircraft/weapon physics into high-fidelity, real-time models and integrate them into the overall simulation
- Integrate and use advanced GUIs and visualization tools
- Model operational environments and perform trade studies via computer simulation resulting in recommendations for system architectures and configurations
- Support the design and development of visualization models and databases for integration with a high-fidelity simulation environment
We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-directed professionals who thrive in collaborative environments.
Basic Qualifications:
- Must have a Bachelor of science degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of experience OR Master of science degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of experience, OR a Doctorate in a STEM discipline and 4 years of experience.
- Must have experience with computer/engineering software development using C++ (preferred), C#, Java or other object-oriented computer language
- Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with real-time simulation/software development
- Expertise in aircraft aero-performance, sensors, weapons, and/or communication systems
- Experience with hardware/software integration, especially integration of aircraft hardware into a lab/simulation environment
- Ability to translate physics/mathematics models into real-time simulation algorithms
- Experience performing weapon system level design, integration, or test & evaluation
- An understanding of Integrated Air Defense Systems and capabilities
- An understanding of operational Command and Control systems and software
- Experience leading software design teams or focus groups
- Experience collaborating across diverse, multi-disciplined teams
- Competent writing and communication skills
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Primary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The 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 of Science in a STEM discipline with 8 years experience OR Master of Science in STEM with 6 years experience OR Doctorate in STEM with 4 years experience
- Experience with computer/engineering software development using C++, C#, Java or other object-oriented languages
- Ability to transfer and maintain final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and obtain required program access
- Experience with real-time simulation and simulation software development
- Expertise in aircraft aero-performance, sensors, weapons, and/or communication systems
- Experience with hardware/software integration, especially integration of aircraft hardware into a lab/simulation environment
- Ability to translate physics and mathematical models into real-time simulation algorithms
- Experience performing weapon system level design, integration, or test and evaluation
- Understanding of Integrated Air Defense Systems and operational Command and Control systems
- Experience leading software design teams or focus groups and competent writing and communication 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.
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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.








