Principal/Sr Principal Engineer Link 16 Embedded Software
Ngc· Defense· Jun 16, 2026 · 4mo agoPosted 133 days ago
San Diego, CA
In office
Full-time
Principal
$142K–$213K
5+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since June 16, 2026 — 133 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: 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.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our organization is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.
Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal or Sr. Principal Embedded Engineer Software based out of San Diego, CA.
What You ll Get to Do:
In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software for our end-user customers and businesses, primarily focused on Link-16 and Tactical Datalink software code bases. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded and real time systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test, in an Agile software development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls.
This position is contingent upon the ability to obtain a Clearance and program award
This requisition may be filled as a Principal or Sr. Principal
Principal Engineer Embedded Software Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor s degree in Computer Engineering or another STEM discipline with 5 years of related experience, or Master s degree with 3 years or a PhD with 1 year of experience
Proficient in C/C
Proficient in Object Oriented programming
Proficient in all areas of the formal software lifecycle process from requirements to testing
Experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
Experience with developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.
Familiarity with Static Analysis and Unit Testing
Experience using Jira/Bitbucket/Git and the Agile software development process
Experience in testing and troubleshooting Link16 waveform in an embedded software environment
Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as Tactical Datalink radios/terminals
Familiarity with Link 16/TACAN Waveform Standard Documents
Familiarity with Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA)
Familiarity with Software Communications Architecture (SCA)
Experience with Software Defined Radios
Must be able to obtain a U.S Government Secret level security clearance
Ability to work full-time onsite at our Rancho Carmel location.
Sr. Principal Engineer Embedded Software Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor s degree in Computer Engineering or another STEM discipline with 8 years of related experience, or Master s degree with 6 years or a PhD with 4 years of experience.
Proficient in C/C
Proficient in Object Oriented programming
Proficient in all areas of the formal software lifecycle process from requirements to testing
Experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
Experience with developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.
Familiarity with Static Analysis and Unit Testing
Experience using Jira/Bitbucket/Git and the Agile software development process
Experience in testing and troubleshooting Link16 waveform in an embedded software environment
Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as Tactical Datalink radios/terminals
Familiarity with Link 16/TACAN Waveform Standard Documents
Familiarity with Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA)
Familiarity with Software Communications Architecture (SCA)
Experience with Software Defined Radios
Must be able to obtain a U.S Government Secret level security clearance
Ability to work full-time onsite at our Rancho Carmel location.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with the Avionics Operating System
Experience with Xilinx platforms (Zynq, Ultrascale , and VERSAL)
Experience with Yocto/Petalinux
Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet)
Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations
Experience implementing cryptographic mechanisms using dedicated software libraries
Experience with Rust
Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado)
Familiarity with HAIPE, OTNK, and/or IKE
Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
Familiarity with assembly language
Familiarity with bare metal embedded device drivers
Familiarity with PowerPC architectures and peripherals
Familiarity with IBM tools (Rhapsody, DOORS, Clearcase)
Familiarity with Green Hills AdaMulti
Familiarity with MIL-STD-6016
Current active Secret or Top Secret Clearance
Current active SAP clearance
Currently engaged in Networked Information Solutions program portfolio(s)
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
The 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 northropgrumman.com. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Pto
Paid Time Off