Northrop Grumman

Staff Engineer Software

Northrop Grumman$161K — $241K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at application.
  • Proficiency in C++, Java, Python, and CUDA for performance-critical scenarios.
  • Experience in Linux development environments.
  • Strong knowledge of RF signal processing and radar DSP concepts.
  • Expertise in optimizing GPGPU for real-time processing workloads.
  • Familiarity with NVIDIA MatX or high-performance numerical libraries.
  • Utilization of AI tooling in software development.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and development of advanced radar DSP software.
  • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to create electronic data processing systems.
  • Analyze user and mission needs to enhance system capabilities.
  • Provide mentorship through code and design reviews.
  • Design supporting infrastructure for efficient signal processing workflows.
  • Document and debug software applications with logical and mathematical solutions.
  • Optimize performance of radar algorithms and pipelines.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Health insurance coverage provided.
  • Life and disability insurance included.
  • Savings plan available for employees.
  • Paid time off (PTO) granted for vacation and personal business.
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 Space Systems is seeking a Staff Software Signal Processing Engineer to join our team supporting a radar program in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In this staff-level role, you will provide technical leadership for the development of advanced radar digital signal processing software in support of identification and tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit. You will act as a senior technical authority for radar DSP software—guiding architecture, design decisions, and implementation approaches across the team—while remaining hands-on with code and technical problem solving.

Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Serve as a technical leader and subject-matter expert for radar digital signal processing software, providing guidance on system architecture, algorithm selection, implementation strategies, and performance optimization.

  • Design, develop, document, test, and debug complex applications software and software systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions, with particular emphasis on highperformance radar DSP pipelines.

  • Lead multidisciplinary research and collaborate closely with systems, hardware, and equipment designers to plan, design, develop, and utilize electronic data processing systems for mission and product software.

  • Work with stakeholders to determine computer user and mission needs; analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques, and controls; prepare operating instructions and technical documentation.

  • Guide the design and development of compilers, utility programs, and/or supporting infrastructure where needed to enable scalable signal processing workflows.

  • Provide mentorship and technical direction to other engineers, including code reviews, design reviews, and coaching on best practices for performance, reliability, and maintainability.

  • Demonstrated experience developing and optimizing radar signal processing algorithms and pipelines (DSP), including use of common engineering toolchains such as DSP System Toolbox / Signal Processing Toolbox / Phased Array System toolsets.

  • Demonstrated experience with GPGPU acceleration (e.g., CUDA) for performancecritical signal processing and/or analytics workloads, including profiling, optimization, and balancing CPU/GPU resources.

  • Experience using AIenabled engineering tooling (e.g., an AI coding assistant) to accelerate development tasks such as code explanation, refactoring, and test generationwhile maintaining clear engineer accountability for reviewed code and technical decisions.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope.

  • Demonstrated proficiency with C++, Java, Python, and CUDA, including application to performancecritical workloads.

  • Experience with Linux development environments.

  • Experience with RF signal processing and radar DSP concepts.

  • Experience with GPU optimization for realtime or nearrealtime processing.

  • Experience with NVIDIA MatX or similar highperformance numerical libraries.

  • Experience leveraging AI tooling for software development workflows.

  • Experience with high-side development and processes, including secure environments and appropriate handling of classified data.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Able to explain how to process a radar signal to generate a RangeDoppler Map.

  • Describe the process of using a sparse array to accomplish beamforming.

  • Discuss the concept of loss budgets and system tradeoffs.

  • Explain the application of calibration for a distributed system.

  • C++ expertise: Strong knowledge of realtime processing, current C++ standards, and modern C++ techniques and patterns for highperformance, maintainable code.

  • CUDA expertise: Deep understanding of the benefits and constraints of running signal processing code on GPGPUs; familiarity with cuFFT and/or cuSignal; experience with MatX preferred but not required.

  • Functional familiarity with Matlab and Python for signal processing, prototyping, and data analysis.

  • Selfstarter and technical leader: Able to take minimal direction, quickly learn complex systems, and independently drive solutions. Approaches every story with the broader system in mindidentifying defects, optimizations, and architectural implications along the way. Comfortable influencing designs across teams and defending technical decisions to stakeholders.

  • Experience writing and implementing signal processing algorithms is expected; at the staff level, candidates should additionally demonstrate the ability to own systemlevel DSP architectures, make trade studies, and lead others in implementing robust, scalable solutions.

Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00

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 candidates 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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