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Principal / Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer

4 days ago Dulles, VA

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: 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.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.
We have an opening for an Embedded Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization developing space flight software platforms for NSS space programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented. This position will be in Dulles, VA.
This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment.
In this role you will:

Develop embedded software modules and software card interfaces, including digital, analog, serial, and SpaceWire

Interface with hardware engineers in the design, build, and test of the simulation platforms

Work with program engineers to integrate components and flight software with the simulation platform

Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation platforms

Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers

Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events

Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels

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This position can be filled as a Principal (level 3) or Sr Principal (level 4) depending on experience and qualifications
Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering or related STEM field

Minimum of 5 years (level 3) or 8 years (level 4) of relevant experience

Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SCI at time of application

Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR) within prescribed business needs

U.S. Citizenship

Diverse programming experience: C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting

Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams

Ability to debug hardware and software.

Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git

Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management

Preferred Qualifications:

Active TS/SCI clearance

System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization

Familiarity with static code analysis tools such as: Coverity, SonarQube, and Fortify.

Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience

Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management

Experience developing software in a Linux OS environment

Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards.

Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, SpaceWire electrical interfaces

Experience with time triggered Ethernet.

Experience with networking.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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): Dulles, VA
Job ID: NorthropGrumman-R10219097
Employment Type: OTHER
Posted: 2026-01-14T20:00:38

Perks and Benefits

  • Health and Wellness

    • Health Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Long-Term Disability
    • HSA
    • HSA With Employer Contribution
    • On-Site Gym
    • Pet Insurance
    • Mental Health Benefits
    • Virtual Fitness Classes
  • Parental Benefits

    • Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
    • Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
    • Fertility Benefits
    • Adoption Assistance Program
    • Family Support Resources
    • Adoption Leave
  • Work Flexibility

    • Flexible Work Hours
    • Remote Work Opportunities
    • Hybrid Work Opportunities
    • Four-Day Work Week
  • Office Life and Perks

    • Commuter Benefits Program
    • Company Outings
    • On-Site Cafeteria
    • Holiday Events
  • Vacation and Time Off

    • Paid Vacation
    • Paid Holidays
    • Sabbatical
    • Leave of Absence
  • Financial and Retirement

    • 401(K)
    • 401(K) With Company Matching
    • Performance Bonus
    • Relocation Assistance
    • Financial Counseling
    • Profit Sharing
  • Professional Development

    • Tuition Reimbursement
    • Promote From Within
    • Mentor Program
    • Shadowing Opportunities
    • Access to Online Courses
    • Lunch and Learns
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership Training Program
    • Associate or Rotational Training Program
  • Diversity and Inclusion

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