Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Staff Software Architect Engineer – Level 5 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The position can be located on-site in Boulder, CO, Colorado Springs, CO or Huntsville, AL.
Position Overview:
As a Staff Software Engineer / Software Architect – Level 5 on an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) team, you will work in a collaborative environment to design, develop, document, test and debug applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions. You will conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of data processing systems for product and commercial software. Ensure software standards are met.
Essential Functions:
- Responsible for planning and evolving processes and practices to execute program goals
- Analyze Demonstration and I&T Plans to define the software baselines required for each phase
- Perform gap analysis and maturity analysis for software components to identify needed capabilities
- Lead the development of new software systems in a complex environment
- Attain and utilize an overall system vision, managing the development and integration of several subsystems and vendors
Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 12 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 10 years experience, or a PhD and 8 years of experience
- Software architecture and design experience
- Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and container orchestration
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly
- Configuration management experience using Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA
- Basic team leadership experience
- Ability and willingness to travel 10% to support business needs
- Applicants must have a current active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application and is required to start
Preferred Qualifications:
- Highly experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations
- Experience with automated software requirements testing and analysis
- Experience with battle management and or fire control systems
- Experience developing in an Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment
- Very solid background in math and physics
Salary Range Per Location:
Colorado Springs, CO: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00
Boulder, CO: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00
Huntsville, AL: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00
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Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $265,600.00The 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 in a STEM discipline and 12 years of related experience, or a master’s degree and 10 years of experience, or a PhD and 8 years of experience
- Software architecture and design experience
- Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Configuration management experience using Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA
- Basic team leadership experience
- Ability and willingness to travel 10%
- Current active in-scope U.S. Government Secret security clearance
- Highly experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations
- Experience with automated software requirements testing and analysis
- Experience with battle management or fire control systems
- Experience developing in a Model-Based Systems Engineering environment
- Strong background in mathematics and physics
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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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.
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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.
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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.







