Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal Software Engineer with bid and proposal experience to join our team supporting the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) Program.
This role will serve as the DARC Site 3 (DS3) Software (SW) bid and proposal lead. The ideal candidate should have experience with SW development, SW sustainment, and SW proposal development. This role requires excellent communication and the ability to collaborate with existing DARC site 1 (DS1) and DARC site 2 (DS2) personnel to develop and propose the SW scope for the DS3 program. Upon receiving the award, the selected candidate will support the startup and execution of the DS3 program within the SW functional discipline area.
Job responsibilities will include:
- Acting as the DS3 SW proposal lead
- Development of the DS3 SW proposal approach and supporting artifacts
- Development of the DS3 SW proposal labor Basis of Estimates (BOE’s) and pricing in collaboration with business management
- Support the development of the DS3 Integrated Master Schedule and SW development timelines
- Develop and manage the DS3 SW proposal risk and opportunities
- Support the DS3 startup and technical execution and an individual contributor or team lead
Basic Qualifications
- Active DoD Secret clearance at the time of application
- 8 years with a Bachelors in Science, 6 years with a Masters in Science degree, and 3 years with the PHD
- Software development experience (Java, C++, Java Script)
- Experience with microservices based architectures
- Familiar with estimating methodologies and tools (i.e., Cost History, System Evaluation and Estimation of Resources – Software Estimation Model (SEER-SEM))
- Familiarity with RedHat Linux environments
- Understanding of Earned Value (EV) principles
- Familiar with Agile principles and use of JIRA and Confluence
- Familiar with SW CDRL items (i.e., Software Requirements Specifications, Software Design Descriptions, Software Version Descriptions)
Preferred Qualifications
- Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility
- Computer Science or Computer Engineering technical major
- Experience with SW development on ground-based radar systems
- Previously acted as a SW Product Owner (PO) or SW Lead
Skills Required
- Active DoD Secret clearance at the time of application
- 8 years experience with a Bachelors, 6 years with a Masters, or 3 years with a PhD
- Software development experience (Java, C++, JavaScript)
- Experience with microservices-based architectures
- Familiarity with estimating methodologies and tools (Cost History, SEER-SEM)
- Familiarity with RedHat Linux environments
- Understanding of Earned Value (EV) principles
- Familiarity with Agile principles and use of JIRA and Confluence
- Familiar with SW CDRL items (Software Requirements Specifications, Software Design Descriptions, Software Version Descriptions)
- Active DoD Top Secret Clearance with SCI eligibility
- Computer Science or Computer Engineering technical major
- Experience with software development on ground-based radar systems
- Previously acted as a Software Product Owner (PO) or Software Lead
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.






