2026 Associate/ Embedded Software Engineer - Dulles VA
About The Position
Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is hiring an Embedded Software Engineer – Level 1/2 to develop space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs in Dulles, Virginia. The role supports mission-critical national and global security efforts within the Space Systems organization and calls for a self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented team member. The position is 100% onsite and follows a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. Telecommuting is not available. Travel is expected 10% of the time. The role requires a Top Secret clearance at start and is contingent on obtaining final clearances and program access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company. Relocation assistance may be available.
Requirements
- For Level 1: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field such as aerospace, electrical, computer, or software engineering, with zero years of relevant professional experience, or a master’s degree.
- For Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field such as aerospace, electrical, computer, or software engineering, with two years of relevant professional experience, or a master’s degree.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++ and Python.
- Understanding of common embedded-system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices.
- Core affinity and parallel processing experience.
- Understanding of the difference between concurrent and parallel processing.
- Demonstrable programming experience on Linux.
- GPA of 3.0 or above.
Nice To Haves
- Top Secret/SCI clearance.
- System knowledge in one or more of these domains: spacecraft command and control, mission planning, space situational awareness, or visualization.
- Experience with digital and analog interfaces, RS-422 synchronous serial, UART, MIL-STD-1553, or SpaceWire electrical interfaces.
- GPA of 3.5 or above.
Responsibilities
- Develop embedded software modules and work with data protocols such as UART, synchronous serial, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, SPI, and discrete digital and analog I/O.
- Work with other disciplines to establish flight-software requirements, testing, and verification plans.
- Perform trade studies using computer simulation, kits, and development boards.
- Integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform in collaboration with multiple engineers.
- Participate in hardware definition and software design, development, debugging, and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
- Analyze system resources to improve efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
- Prepare design documentation, analyses, test results, and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
- Help software developers and other engineers diagnose and identify root causes of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance testing, and operational events.
- Work across diverse assignments and collaboratively with teams at all levels.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Savings plan.
- Company-paid holidays.
- Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
- Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
