Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has opportunities for a Software Engineer (Principal or Senior Principal Engineer Level) to join our team in San Diego, CA.
Description
Design, develop, document, test and debug applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions
Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software
Determine computer user needs;
Analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls
Prepare operating instructions
Design and develop compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems
Ensure software standards are met
This role may be filled at either an Principal Engineer (Level 3) or Sr Principal Engineer (Level 4) level based on the qualifications outlined below.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Engineer (Level 3):
Must have a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related professional/military experience in Systems Engineering, OR a Master's Degree and 3 years of related professional/military experience in Systems Engineering
Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. government Secret clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) as determined by business needs
Senior Principal Engineer (Level 4):
Must have a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related professional/military experience in Systems Engineering, OR a Master's Degree and 6 years of related professional/military experience in Systems Engineering
Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. government Secret clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR) as determined by business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
An active U.S. government Secret clearance or higher (with background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills
Proven ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related professional or military experience in systems engineering, or a master’s degree and 3 years of related experience for Principal Engineer Level 3
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related professional or military experience in systems engineering, or a master’s degree and 6 years of related experience for Senior Principal Engineer Level 4
- Active U.S. government Secret clearance required for start
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR)
- Demonstrated communication and technical writing skills
- Ability to brief technical presentations to stakeholders
- U.S. citizenship for government-cleared positions
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
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.





