Principal Engineer Software

Northrop Grumman•El Segundo, CA

23d•$114,000 - $171,000•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman's Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible. Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Engineer Software position for embedded software to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals onsite in El Segundo, CA. You will report to the Research & Advanced Design organization using technologies that include 5G/NextG communications, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and future wireless technologies in support of tactical applications for the warfighter. You will support a research area associated with a key program lab environment, so please note that telecommute/remote is not an option.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience, or a PhD in STEM with 1 year of experience.
Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Background in embedded C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming as well as familiarity with Python.
Background in integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a lab environment including debugging, tracing and understanding complex code bases.
Experience with Agile software development using tools like the Atlassian Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control
Must have the ability to transfer and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.
Secret clearance required at start.

Nice To Haves

Experience cross-compiling with GCC in a hybrid Linux/Windows environment
Experience working in Agile software development using the Atlassian Tool Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control
Experience with 5G/6G technologies, including base station setup and connecting User Equipment via SIM card
Experience with software development leveraging CI/CD pipeline tools such as Jenkins
Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet, UDP, TCP)
Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations
Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
Experience with software control of digital logic / FPGAs / firmware
Hands-on hardware integration and testing experience
Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

Work all phases of the software development cycle including design, development, integration, and test in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels.
Conduct peer reviews of software-related products, software designs, and additional technical documents.
Participate in a cross-functional scrum team including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test.
Understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and implement and debug software to accomplish defined completion criteria.
Identify and assess new technologies prior to implementation.
Be a self-starter and able to efficiently operate in a team environment.
Prioritize and make recommendations to technical leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.