Principal / Senior Principal Software Engineer

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available | CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No | CLEARANCE TYPE: None | TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems Sector is seeking a Principal or Senior Principal Software Engineer to join our team in Palmdale, CA. This is an onsite position supporting classified development programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain software systems for advanced aerospace applications
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams on requirements, design, implementation, and test
• Participate in system integration and validation activities
• Apply software engineering best practices: version control, code review, unit testing, documentation
• Support software lifecycle from concept through deployment and sustainment

Basic Qualifications

Principal (Level 3):

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM field with 5 years’ experience, or Master’s with 3 years
• Proficiency in C++ and/or Python
• Experience with Linux-based development environments
• Active DoD Secret clearance (or ability to obtain)

Senior Principal (Level 4):

• Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years’ experience, or Master’s with 6 years
• Demonstrated leadership in software architecture and design

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with real-time or embedded systems
• Familiarity with DO-178C, MIL-STD, or other aerospace software standards
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Experience with Agile/SCRUM methodologies

Salary Range

• Principal (Level 3): $114,000–$171,000/year
• Senior Principal (Level 4): $142,500–$213,800/year

Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, paid holidays and PTO.