Principal Engineer Software
Ngc· startup· Defense· Aug 19, 2026 · 2mo agoPosted 69 days ago
El Segundo, CA
In office
Full-time
Principal
$114K–$171K
5+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open 69 days.
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’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 .
Accomplish
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.
Key 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.
You must be a self-starter and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, you will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to technical leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned.
Succeed
The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.
Basic Qualifications
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.
Preferred Qualifications
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
Thrive with Us
At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being of all our employees. We offer phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.
Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
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
Benefits detected in the listing.
Health Insurance
Dental
Vision
Pto
Paid Time Off