Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer – Level 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Huntsville, AL.
Position Overview:
As a Principal Software Engineer for the GMD Weapon System (GWS) program, you will play a pivotal role in building and sustaining the development, operations and security posture (DevSecOps) of the program’s classified systems and networks used for development, integration, test, training, and operations. The selected candidate will help shape the future of DevSecOps development for the GWS program.
Essential Functions:
- Working with airgap environments, classified cloud environments, and government customer networks
- Working with server virtualization technologies, different operating systems, and central authentication
- Deploying and maintaining applications on Kubernetes clusters
- Developing and reviewing software code (Java, Python, etc.)
- Knowledge of network testing methodologies using routers, switches, and firewalls
- Knowledge of various operating systems and system administration skills
The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related work experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related work experience, or a PhD and 1 year of related work experience, or 9 years of related work experience in lieu of a degree may be considered.
- Applicants must be able to work collaboratively in a team environment with other highly motivated software engineers.
- Familiarity with network communication products, including routers, switches, firewalls, Domain Name Servers (DNS), and data encryption products.
- Must have a DOD 8140 IAT Level II certification (ex: Security + CE)
- Strong systems administrator experience, specifically in Windows/Linux Operating Systems environments
- Experience working with cloud technologies and platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud
- Experience in Agile practices and principles to deliver high quality products and services
- Must be able to support an in-person / closed-area work environment 100% of the time.
- Ability and willingness to travel up-to 10% to support business needs.
- Applicants must have a current active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and/or other cloud orchestration technologies.
- Experience with Helm Charts and Ansible Technologies
- Experience with configuration management tools, i.e., Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, others.
- Experience in programming and scripting experience in a UNIX environment (C++, Perl, Python, Bash, Ruby, Shell, Scripts).
- Programming and scripting experience in a Windows environment (PowerShell, etc.)
- Experience with software development (i.e., Java/JavaScript, C++, C#, or any modern object-oriented language) and its life cycles
- Experience in Network Management Systems (HP Network Node Manager, Solarwinds, and NAS/SAN technologies (NetApp, etc.)
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 5 years related experience, or Master's with 3 years, PhD with 1 year, or 9 years related experience in lieu of degree
- Current active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at time of application (required to start)
- DOD 8140 IAT Level II certification (e.g., Security+ CE)
- Ability to support an in-person / closed-area work environment 100% of the time (onsite in Huntsville, AL)
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%
- Strong systems administrator experience in Windows and Linux operating system environments
- Experience working with cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)
- Deploying and maintaining applications on Kubernetes clusters
- Developing and reviewing software code (Java, Python, etc.)
- Familiarity with network communication products and network testing methodologies (routers, switches, firewalls, DNS, data encryption)
- Experience in Agile practices and principles
- Experience with server virtualization technologies and central authentication systems
- Experience with Helm Charts, Docker, Ansible, configuration management tools (Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket)
- Programming/scripting experience in UNIX environments (C++, Perl, Python, Bash, Ruby, Shell) and Windows scripting (PowerShell)
- Experience with software development languages and life cycles (Java, JavaScript, C++, C#)
- Experience with Network Management Systems and NAS/SAN technologies (HP Network Node Manager, SolarWinds, NetApp)
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.






