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Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer – Flight Autonomy (San Diego CA)

El Segundo, California, United States
Full Time On-site
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.  Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - Flight Autonomy to join our dynamic team.  This position will support our Aeronautics Systems sector on site in El Segundo, CA.

Essential Functions:

  • Participation in architecture definition and complex system problem solving in support of Research and Advanced Design programs

  • Design, develop, and document flight and mission critical software for deployment onto embedded and real-time systems

  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, test, and delivery of software products

  • Work in Agile Scrum teams to develop software products for multiple software baselines

  • Work with the Vehicle Management Systems and Mission Autonomy teams to develop and execute component, subsystem, and system level test procedures to verify functionality of the VMS and MA hardware and software

This position may be filled as either a level 2 Software Engineer or level 3 Principal Software Engineer.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of experience in software engineering OR a Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 0 years of experience in software engineering OR a PhD degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 0-years of experience.

  • Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of experience in software engineering OR a Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 3 years of experience in software engineering OR a PhD degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 1 year of experience.

  • Experience developing software with C/C++, Python, Lua, Rust

  • Experience with real-time OS

  • Experience with Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD)

  • Familiarity with software development tools such as Git, CMake, Jenkins, Visual Studio, etc.

  • Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final U.S. adjudicated government Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with System on Modules (SoMs) and Single Board Computers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.)

  • Knowledge of embedded systems, Linux with basic command use

  • Experience implementing ICDs and writing device drivers

  • Experience with developing software used for one of the following real-time applications: flight critical software, Safety critical software, medical software, or mission critical software

  • Preference to work in software/hardware integration and rapid prototyping

#blue

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

The 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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States, building advanced systems across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains. The company is known for some of the most complex defense programs in the world, including stealth aircraft, autonomous systems, missile defense technologies, satellites, and space-based intelligence platforms that support U.S. national security operations.

For job seekers, Northrop Grumman offers careers across a wide range of high-impact fields including aerospace engineering, software development, cybersecurity, systems engineering, manufacturing, program management, and intelligence support. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on mission-critical systems that directly support the Department of Defense and intelligence community. Many roles involve long-term programs with significant technical depth and real-world operational impact.

Unlike smaller defense startups focused on narrow capabilities, Northrop Grumman operates across multiple major mission areas, giving employees exposure to highly advanced programs such as stealth platforms, space systems, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation command-and-control systems. The company is also a major leader in classified space and intelligence systems, where cutting-edge engineering and secure infrastructure play a critical role in national defense.

As global competition in space, cyber, and advanced military systems continues to intensify, Northrop Grumman remains one of the most strategically important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking stable, highly technical careers with long-term impact on national security, Northrop Grumman continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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