Northrop Grumman

Sr. Principal Software Engineer (SW Modeler/Developer)

Northrop Grumman$142K — $213K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of relevant software engineering experience or Master's degree with 6+ years or Ph.D. with 4+ years.
  • Expertise in designing and developing mission-critical ground software (backend in Python, front-end in React JS or similar).
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for automated builds and deployment.
  • Proficiency in software-design and modeling tools.

Responsibilities

  • Integrate operational constraints and real-world mission requirements into mission-planning workflows.
  • Apply advanced skills in debugging, troubleshooting, and integration within large-scale distributed systems.
  • Lead task management and mentor team members under tight deadlines.
  • Design modular and reusable software architectures to enhance maintainability and scalability.
  • Conduct software design and modeling analysis.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts
  • Flexible Schedules with options like a 9/80 work week.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking a Sr. Principal Software Engineer (SW Modeler/Developer) to join our team of highly qualified, diverse professionals within the Western Region Software Engineering directorate. This position is located onsite in Redondo Beach, CA.

The Western Region Software Engineering organization comprises over 800 skilled professionals-including Software Engineers, DevOps Engineers, Database Administrators, and Network Engineers-at all career levels, from early-career engineers to senior chief engineers and architects. This engineering organization supports numerous programs and offers ample opportunities for advancement into higher-level technical roles or leadership positions. Our culture promotes cross-program collaboration, continuous professional development, and a strong sense of community.

Job responsibilities of the Sr. Principal Software Engineer (SW Modeler/Developer) include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Work with mission-planning workflows to integrate operational constraints and real-world mission requirements.
  • Apply advanced debugging, troubleshooting, and integration skills within large-scale distributed systems.
  • Provide proven leadership in task management and mentor team members across dynamic program schedules with tight deadlines.
  • Design modular, reusable software architectures that reduce overall code footprint while enhancing maintainability and scalability.
  • Conduct software design and modeling analysis.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) discipline with 8+ years of relevant software engineering experience or Master's degree in STEM with 6+ years of stated experience or Ph.D. in STEM with 4+ years of stated experience
  • Expertise in designing, developing, and refactoring mission-critical ground software, including backend systems (Python) and operator-facing front-end tools (React JS or similar).
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required at the time of application.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines for automated builds, testing, and deployment.
  • Proficiency with software-design and/or software-modeling tools.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience supporting or developing tools for LEO satellite constellations or ground systems.
  • Expertise in mission-critical ground software development using backend languages (C, C++) and front-end frameworks (React JS or similar).
  • Experience building software for proliferated constellations and associated ground systems, covering mission planning, data telemetry, and command-and-control workflows.
  • Hands-on experience with detailed software design using Cameo.
  • Comprehensive understanding of zero-trust security architectures and secure-by-design principles for mission-critical applications.
  • Strong background in multi-tenant, plug-and-play ground-system concepts, including cloud-native implementations with AWS services (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, etc.).
  • Familiarity with compatibility testing and hardware-in-the-loop environments to ensure operational readiness and reliability under realistic mission conditions.
  • Knowledge or certification in agile development methodologies, with experience in iterative design and rapid prototyping to respond dynamically to evolving mission architectures.
  • Proficiency with FastAPI, MongoDB, Kafka, Docker, AWS Lambda, DynamoDB, Angular, SQS, EFS, and S3.


Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/space.

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site: Northrop Grumman Total Rewards.

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for:

-Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

-401k

-Educational Assistance

-Life Insurance

-Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

-Paid Time Off

-Health & Wellness Resources

-Employee Discounts

-Flexible Schedules: for example, the ability to work a 9/80 work schedule, which allows an employee to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off of work.

#LosAngelesSpace

#LI-DB1

Primary 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.

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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