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Algorithm Software Engineer – Level 3

Boulder, Colorado, United States
Full Time On-site
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

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.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Principal Algorithms Software Engineer – Level 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The position is located in Boulder, CO – Boulder is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and only 25 miles from downtown Denver.

Position Overview:

As a Principal Algorithms Software Engineer – Level 3, you will be responsible for developing, analyzing, testing, and implementing extendable / reusable algorithms to improve missile tracking capabilities. Additional responsibilities will include but are not limited to providing documentation to supply tracking algorithms including observation models, propagation models, and filters / smoothers.  

Essential Functions:

  • Breadth and depth in the application of mathematics to perform data analysis and algorithm development for missile tracking applications
  • Development and performance analysis of tracking and state estimation algorithms
  • Tool and prototype development using Modern C++ and Python 
  • Algorithm defect tracking and resolution
  • Technical Documentation as required

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 5 years of related experience or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related experience, or 1 year with a PhD.
  • Linux exposure and working knowledge of common utilities like grep, awk, cat head, etc.
  • C/C++; 4 years development experience
  • Algorithm design and state estimation experience
  • Data analysis - Population statistics and trend identification
  • Bridge between theoretical concepts and practical implementation
  • Experience with numerical computing (numerical linear algebra, differential equations, optimization (combinatorial and non-linear), and statistics.
  • Ability and willingness to travel up-to 10% to support business needs
  • Applicants must have a active in-scope U.S. Government issued Secret security clearance at the time of application which is required to start; with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong statistical background and skills
  • Experience in tracking and prediction algorithms, simulation, and validation
  • Experience with multiple hypothesis tracking
  • Experience in the numerical implementation of motion filters.
  • Familiarity with Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) and Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) sensors and simulations is a plus
  • Experience with containerization

Primary 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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