Principal Engineer Software

This position will be located in Chantilly, VA at the SIGINT Technology Center (STC). The STC is comprised of multiple mission-focused programs with projects ranging from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) SIGINT payload development to data link development to OCONUS/CONUS mission/maintenance support. STC tasks include system design, engineering development, system integration, hands-on build and test, field operations and maintenance, training, and production.
Roles and Responsibilities:

Work in a multidisciplinary team to develop software that will integrate onto hardware. Configure and test the software on the hardware while supporting varying evolutions of demonstrations to various stakeholders at multiple locations.
Responsibilities include software design, embedded software development with unit test via simulation drivers or with mocked hardware, application, and/or processing algorithms, software and hardware system integration, troubleshooting, re-factoring, hands-on build and test, field operations and maintenance, training, and production activities.
Develop software system architectures based on evolving mission needs, emerging technologies, operational environment, and schedule milestones.
Work with stakeholders to design, build, and maintain mission critical systems.
Provide technical oversight of the design, development, and integration of software components.
Support the team in identifying and addressing impediments to the attainment of goals, including taking action to remove impediments where appropriate.
Synthesize software requirements into verification requirements, software test objectives, success criteria, and required resources for software CSCI level tests and demonstrations.
Produce technical documentation in accordance with company / customer procedures.
Development of software requirements and detailed integration software test plans, procedures, test readiness reviews (TRRs), test data and test reports.
Execution of software qualification and acceptance testing per those requirements, plans and procedures.
Participate in technical exchange meetings, interfacing with customers (internal/external) and contributing to a broad range of program deliverables.
Participate in CONUS and OCONUS integration, test, and demonstration events.
Basic Qualifications for a Principal Software Engineer:

Must have a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or equivalent discipline with a minimum of 5 years experience with a bachelor's degree, 3 years experience with a master's degree, or 1 year experience with a PhD.
Must have an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain an active US DoD TS/SCI and the ability to get Special Program Access (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite).
Experience throughout the entire software development lifecycle from requirements gathering, to design, implementation, test, and deployment.
Proficient in C/C++ and Java Development
Proficient in Unix/Linux Operating System
Experience scripting (i.e. Python, Bash, etc.)
Experience Low-level debugging
Experience with networking protocols: TCP/IP, IPv4. UDP
Experience supporting test events / demonstrations to customers
Ability to learn, contribute to, and debug large codebases and propose ways to optimize and employ best practices
Demonstrated effective communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:

An active US DoD TS/SCI and the ability to get Special Program Access
Experience developing and communicating software architecture constructs
Experience with deriving software requirements
Experience briefing technical material to customers at milestone events (PDR, CDR, etc.)
Knowledge of RF system components & functions
Knowledge of hardware and functions of SIGINT/EW systems and workflows
Hardware integration experience
Performance profiling and optimization
Experience with OMS/UCI messaging schema
Experience with software-defined radios (SDRs)
Experience with CM tools including Git (or equivalent), Atlassian tool suite (or equivalent)
Experience in Open Architecture Solutions
Experience with Docker containerization
Experience with integrating and testing embedded software.
Experience in analyzing software requirements and developing software tests.
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.
Salary Range: $110,300.00 - $165,500.00The 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.

Client-provided location(s): Chantilly, VA

Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10201102

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-07-24T12:53:17