We have an opening for a Simulation Software Engineer Level 3 or 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization developing space simulation software for NSS space programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented. This position will be in Dulles, VA. This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment.
In this role you will (based on need):
Establish simulation requirements.
Plan, organize and be involved in the full software lifecycle to develop spacecraft simulation software using modern tools and software best practices.
Develop spacecraft component models from hardware documentation to support modeling and simulation activities across multiple projects.
Work with other engineering disciplines to integrate and validate space vehicle models and simulations.
Develop new and/or integrate existing system simulation frameworks.
Support simulated real-time operations, operational analysis and mission effectiveness analysis.
Develop and integrate advanced graphical user interfaces and visualization tools.
Model Thermosphere and Exosphere environments.
Performs trade studies via computer simulation and recommend alternative architectures.
Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
This position can be hired as a Principal Engineer (level 3) or a Sr. Principal Engineer (level 4) depending on experience.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled as a Principal (level 3) or Sr Principal (level 4) depending on experience and qualifications
Basic Qualifications (Principal Simulation Software Engineer):
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience, or PhD in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or closely related field.
Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope. [US citizenship required]
Advanced programming proficiency with: C/C++, Python.
Advanced programming proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, Windows/Linux scripting.
Solid communication and teamwork skills.
Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous development / continuous integration practices.
Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and/or Git.
Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management.
Basic Qualifications (Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer):
Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, or PhD and 4 years of experience, in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related field.
Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope. [US citizenship required]
Diverse 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL or similar.
Advanced programming experience with: C/C++, Python.
Diverse programming proficiency: Matlab/Simulink, Windows/Linux scripting.
Solid communication and teamwork skills.
Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous development / continuous integration practice.
Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and/or Git.
Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management.
Preferred Qualifications:
System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness.
Ability to develop and use simulation models of sensors, actuators and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft system performance and general integration and test of aerospace systems.
Understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools.
Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience.
Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices.
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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 and 5 years of experience, master's degree and 3 years of experience, or PhD in software, electrical, computer, aerospace engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field for Principal level
- Bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience, master's degree and 6 years of experience, or PhD and 4 years of experience in a related technical field for Senior Principal level
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret and Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance, current and within scope, at application
- U.S. citizenship
- Advanced programming proficiency in C or C++ and Python
- Advanced proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Windows/Linux scripting
- Understanding of waterfall, spiral, or Agile software development processes and continuous integration practices
- Experience using software revision control tools such as Subversion or Git
- Ability to document technical and programmatic status for management
- Solid communication and teamwork skills
- Diverse 3D graphics development using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, or similar for Senior Principal level
- Knowledge of spacecraft command and control, mission planning, or space situational awareness
- Experience developing simulation models of sensors, actuators, and space environments
- Understanding of Jenkins, Jira, Bitbucket, and related DevSecOps tools
- Hardware interfacing, integration and test, and controls experience
- Understanding of embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices
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.






