Sentinel Staff Software Engineer - 19716

Northrop Grumman•Huntsville, AL

3d•$169,000 - $253,600•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Staff Software Engineer to support the Sentinel Program in Huntsville, Alabama. The engineer will lead the strategy, design, and implementation of a Python-based software automation test architecture using Northrop Grumman tools, including the Software Requirements Checker Tool (SRCT). The role owns the end-to-end technical architecture and deliverable products for the Software Test team, and serves as the program’s primary technical authority for software test automation. The position partners with systems engineering, software development, and program leadership to deliver a high-quality, certifiable test solution on schedule. The engineer will set technical direction, guide Python framework and SRCT integration design, establish architecture and coding standards, and lead certification-related work. The role also includes coordinating testing across multiple sites, developing test methodologies and traceability, maintaining automated test environments, mentoring team members, planning releases, managing technical risks and product quality, and representing software testing in reviews with senior management and customer stakeholders. The position is based in Huntsville, Alabama, requires an active U.S. Government DoD Secret clearance at application, and requires travel 25% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. The standard schedule is 9/80, with nine-hour workdays Monday through Thursday and every other Friday off. The stated primary-level salary range is $169,000 to $253,600. Employees may also be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 12+ years of relevant experience; or a master’s degree and 10+ years; or a Ph.D. and 8+ years; or four additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at the time of application, current and within scope (less than six years), with ability to obtain and maintain SAP approval within a reasonable period.
At least 1 year of experience leading projects and/or driving team performance to meet schedule commitments.
At least 2 years of demonstrated experience in embedded and/or application software test planning and execution.
Strong Python proficiency, including hands-on experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software and/or test scripts.
Experience managing a product team and delivering periodic, process-driven releases for a government customer.
Background in software testing and troubleshooting, including participation in or support of a Software Review Board (SRB) or equivalent governance process.
Experience developing and reviewing requirements and ensuring vertical traceability across a program-defined specification/document tree.
Experience using Cameo (MagicDraw/Cameo Systems Modeler) or an equivalent MBSE tool.
Experience supporting informal integration and formal qualification test efforts.
Experience developing Basis of Estimate (BOE) artifacts and supporting Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and Initial/Interim Financial Commitment (IFC) planning activities.
Willingness to travel 25% of the time.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated leadership experience on medium-to-large, complex programs.
Hands-on software automation scripting development and integration experience.
Proficiency with Python application frameworks such as Django, Flask, or similar.
Practical experience working in a SAFe Agile environment, including PI planning, ART ceremonies, and backlog management.
Working knowledge of Atlassian tools, including Jira and Bitbucket, for requirements, configuration, and workflow management.
Strong understanding of DO-178 airworthiness processes and artifact generation, including HLR and LLR development and mapping to Segment/System/Software traceability.
Familiarity with Real-Time Component Framework (RTCF) concepts and implementation.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in large, multidisciplinary teams in leadership and individual contributor roles.

Responsibilities

Set technical direction for the Software Test team and align activities with program goals and schedules.
Define and guide software design approaches for the Python automation framework and SRCT integrations.
Establish and enforce architecture and coding standards to support scalability, maintainability, and compliance.
Lead the team toward timely certification of requirements, remove technical obstacles, and manage risk.
Lead and coordinate software test activities across multiple sites, ensuring consistent processes, quality, and communication.
Collaborate with product and engineering teams to develop test methodologies, trace requirements to test cases, and produce test documentation.
Design, implement, and maintain automated test environments to improve test coverage, efficiency, and repeatability.
Mentor team members, provide feedback, and foster continuous learning and improvement.
Plan and coordinate software test releases in alignment with program schedules, resolving dependencies and risks proactively.
Work with systems engineering, software development, and management to support sound decisions and an efficient software lifecycle.
Oversee the quality and timeliness of delivered products, identify potential issues, and drive remediation before customer or milestone impacts.
Represent software testing in reviews with senior management and customer stakeholders, communicating status, risks, and recommendations.
Own the end-to-end technical architecture and deliverable products for the Software Test team.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
401(k)
Educational assistance
Life insurance
Employee Assistance Programs and Work/Life Solutions
Paid Time Off
Health and wellness resources
Employee discounts
Disability insurance
Company-paid holidays
Potential overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus, depending on the position