Principal/Sr Principal Software Engineer – NG Space Systems
- Location:
- Redondo Beach, California, United States of America
About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees are Defining Possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will allow you to work together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines.
This position description does not represent a current opening but may be used to identify candidates with skills and experience for positions within Northrop Grumman that frequently become available. Candidates who express an interest may be considered for future positions at Northrop Grumman.
The Payload and Ground Systems organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly collaborative workplace. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do. Does this sound like you?
Our diverse portfolio of programs means there are endless paths to cultivate your career. We are well-known for our inclusive environment, as well as our excellent work/life balance. We also offer exceptional benefits/healthcare, a 9/80 schedule, and a great 401K matching program.
We have an opening for either a Principal Software Engineer or a Senior Principal Software Engineer to join our talented, diverse team in Redondo Beach, CA.
This is a great opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with real world technical content supporting several tools and systems. Plenty of opportunity for career advancement into leadership positions.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Designs, develops, documents, tests and debugs applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions
- Conducts multidisciplinary research and collaborates with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software
- Determines computer user needs; analyzes system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls; prepares operating instructions; designs and develops compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems
- Ensures software standards are met
This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Software Engineer:
- Bachelor's degree with 5 years of related experience, or a master’s degree with 3 years of related experience; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Active TS/SCI required at the time of application
- Proficiency in one or more of the following: Java, C/C++, Python
Basic Qualifications for Senior Principal Software Engineer:
- Bachelor's degree with 8 years of related experience, a master’s degree with 6 years of related experience, or a PhD with 4 years of related experience; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
- Active TS/SCI required at the time of application
- Proficiency in one or more of the following: Java, C/C++, Python
Preferred Qualifications:
- STEM degree
- Experience with software requirements
- Experience in software development deliverables and processes