Northrop Grumman

Principal/Sr Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman$108K — $163K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM field; 2-5 years of relevant experience needed
  • Strong background in CI/CD processes and implementations
  • Hands-on experience with Ansible and CI/CD tools such as Jenkins
  • Proficiency in Linux-based environments
  • Current CompTIA Security+ certification
  • Active Secret Clearance is mandatory

Responsibilities

  • Support the Agile development environment and Continuous Delivery Pipeline
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance delivery workflows
  • Communicate technical issues clearly to stakeholders
  • Utilize problem-solving skills in dynamic situations
  • Influence multiple teams to align on priorities without direct authority
  • Apply DevOps best practices to support software delivery processes
  • Identify and resolve technical roadblocks diligently

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
  • Potential for overtime and discretionary bonuses
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Overview

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking multiple Software Engineers and Principal Software Engineers to join the Global C2 Solutions Business Unit in Huntsville, Alabama. You will support the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) System Team - a specialized Agile team responsible for enabling and sustaining the Agile development environment, including development and maintenance of the Continuous Delivery Pipeline for mission-critical command and control (C2) software.

In this role, you will partner closely with software, systems, DevOps, networking, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams to deliver robust, secure, and scalable solutions in support of IBCS. This position is well-suited for an engineer who enjoys cross-functional coordination, solving complex integration problems, and driving continuous improvement across development pipelines and environments.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions
  • Serve as a key member of the IBCS System Team, supporting the Agile development environment and Continuous Delivery Pipeline for multiple software baselines.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with software, systems, DevOps, networking, cybersecurity, and infrastructure teams to plan, integrate, and improve end-to-end delivery workflows.
  • Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, clearly conveying technical issues, options, and impacts.
  • Apply strong problem-solving skills in ambiguous situations where requirements, priorities, and external constraints may change rapidly.
  • Influence and coordinate work across multiple teams without direct line authority, ensuring alignment on priorities and commitments.
  • Apply DevOps concepts and best practices to support software delivery pipelines, even when not acting as the primary implementer.
  • Take ownership to identify roadblocks, track actions, and drive issues through to closure.
  • Operate comfortably in an environment where priorities shift and the work mix includes both hands-on technical tasks and coordination/facilitation work.
  • Maintain technical credibility across multiple disciplines to effectively communicate with engineers and understand the work and trade space being discussed.
  • Work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels of the organization.

Basic Qualifications
  • Software Engineer- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least 2 years of relevant experience, or Master's degree in STEM field and 0 years of experience.
  • Principal Software Engineer- Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant experience, Master's degree in STEM field and 3 years of relevant experience, or PhD in STEM field and 0 years
  • Strong experience with Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) concepts and implementation, including:

- Virtualized environments and virtual machines.

- Containerization technologies.

- Container orchestration platforms.
  • Hands-on experience with:

- Ansible and Ansible playbooks; Ansible Automation Platform.

- Jenkins or similar CI/CD automation tools.

- Sonatype Nexus or similar artifact repository managers.
  • Proficiency in Linux-based development and runtime environments.
  • Experience with modern configuration management and source control tools (Git / GitLab).
  • Current CompTIA Security+ certification
  • Active Secret Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Python for automation, tooling, or pipeline integration.
  • CI/CD experience in classified or highly controlled environments.
  • Experience designing, implementing, and maintaining test bench and benchmarking CI/CD pipelines.
  • Experience defining CI/CD requirements, user stories, and use cases in partnership with development and test teams.
  • Familiarity with Agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum, SAFe)


Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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