Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Systems Engineer (2/3 level) - Modeling Sim & Analysis Software Dev to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role is located in Palmdale, CA.
Roles and Responsibilities will include:
- Design, develop, integrate, and test physics‑based, real‑time engineering simulations supporting mission‑level Operator‑In‑The‑Loop (OITL) environments.
- Implement and maintain software components that model sensor/payload operations and advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) effects, using modern frameworks and object‑oriented programming languages (e.g., C#/C++, Java).
- Perform trade studies via computer simulation to compare architectures and recommend software and system design alternatives.
- Develop, integrate, and refine advanced graphical user interfaces and visualization tools to support operator interaction and mission analysis.
- Utilize software and analytical tools to model system behavior in real‑time and constructive simulations, focusing on robust, scalable, and maintainable code.
- Conduct software builds and installations, perform smoke tests, and drive automated/continuous integration test approaches to ensure software quality.
- Debug complex software issues, optimize performance, and enhance existing simulation capabilities based on test results and user feedback.
- Periodically demonstrate integrated software capabilities to sector leadership and key customers and incorporate feedback into the product roadmap.
- Collaborate within Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to define requirements, design interfaces, and deliver integrated mission‑simulation solutions across multiple security environments, programs, and platforms.
This role is a required full-time, on-site position at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.
This role may be filled at an Engineer or Principal Engineer level based on the qualifications outlined below.
Basic Qualifications:
- Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 2 years of experience, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline.
- Principal Systems Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of experience, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience, OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of experience
- Must have experience with engineering skills using C#/C++, JAVA, or other Object-Oriented programming languages.
- Experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Knowledge of debugging code and software developmental languages
- Modeling and Simulation of Radars, Missiles, Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS), Air and/or Space platforms
- Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Protection (EP), Electronic Countermeasures
- Red and/or Blue CONOPs and TTPs
- Must have an active US Government Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
- Active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
- The ability to develop (C# and JAVA) and integrate prototype and pre-production software to support simulation events.
- The ability to develop physics-based models and simulations using Object Oriented programming.
- Systems and software integration experience related to Service Oriented Architectures.
- An ability to work with a team in a rapid prototyping environment.
- Experience with real time 3D visualization / image generation tools such as VRSG.
- Experience with system of systems modeling tools: AFSIM, MACE, or similar tools.
- Active CompTIA Security+ certification.
- Operational military background or experience
- Experience with version control tools (Tortoise Git, Atlassian Suite, Gitlab, etc.).
- Strong communication, interpersonal and leadership skills to include project/analysis lead experience.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 2 years of experience, or a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline for Systems Engineer level
- Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of experience, or a Master of Science degree with 3 years of experience, or a PhD with 1 year of experience for Principal Systems Engineer level
- Engineering experience using C#, C++, Java, or another object-oriented programming language
- Experience debugging code and software development languages, or experience with modeling and simulation of radars, missiles, IADS, air or space platforms, electronic warfare, or military CONOPs and TTPs
- Active US Government Secret clearance with a qualifying background investigation or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance
- Current Special Access Program clearance
- Active DoD Top Secret SCI clearance
- Ability to develop C# and Java prototype and pre-production software for simulation events
- Experience developing physics-based models and simulations using object-oriented programming
- Systems and software integration experience with Service-Oriented Architectures
- Experience with real-time 3D visualization or image-generation tools such as VRSG
- Experience with system-of-systems modeling tools such as AFSIM or MACE
- Active CompTIA Security+ certification
- Operational military background or experience
- Experience with version control tools such as TortoiseGit, Atlassian Suite, or GitLab
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including project or analysis lead experience
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.









