Sr Principal Software Engineer - TRK (26-140) (Huntsville)

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 Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr Principal Software Engineer – TRK (26-140) to join our team of talented and diverse professionals. Located in Huntsville, AL, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.

This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options. A current, active DoD‑issued Secret security clearance is required to start. No travel is required.

Position Overview

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It enables the U.S. president, secretary of defense, and combatant commanders to plan missile defense operations, monitor battles, and control sensors and weapon systems worldwide. C2BMC supports layered missile defense against threats across all ranges and flight phases, enhances performance by networking and synchronizing sensors and weapon systems at global and regional levels, and is required for all ground and flight tests verifying missile defense capabilities.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for in‑depth analysis, support, design, testing, and user support of systems software, including problem resolution and integration
• Maintain currency, debug, and configure related software products
• Work from specifications to develop or modify operating system applications
• Assist with design, coding, benchmark testing, debugging, and documentation of programs
• Work with other system support groups to solve issues, set standards, and boost OS efficiency
• Design, code, test, and implement tools for operations automation
• Work on most phases of software systems programming applications, requiring minimal instruction and guidance in other phases
• Lead small software‑focused teams, if required

Basic Qualifications

Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, with 8 years of experience; or a Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant work experience; or 12 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree
• Applicants must have a current, active in‑scope DoD‑issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
• Software engineering and software development with strong Java/J2EE experience
• Experience applying Kalman filter techniques (including EKF/UKF) to sensor fusion, navigation, or tracking problems is required
• Experience and knowledge of software practices such as coding standards, automated testing, automated build pipelines, and configuration management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a rapid‑paced, team environment
• Experience developing enterprise applications on Linux (Windows experience also desired)
• Extensive experience with Java foundation classes and toolkits
• Demonstrated small team leadership by coordinating tasks, facilitating meetings, and setting goals (Agile team leadership strongly desired), with a track record of mentoring and guiding junior engineers
• Knowledge of server‑side/database development and computer system administration; expertise in Net‑centric, horizontal integration programs is a plus
• Strong problem‑solving skills: actively review performance and operational issues, pinpoint root causes, and confidently recommend, design, and implement solutions
• Use of common software development and management tools such as Maven, Git/GitHub, Nexus, and Eclipse
• Experience with Agile development methodologies
• Understand and apply standard system engineering design artifacts such as Use Cases and SysML diagrams

Preferred Qualifications

• Command and control system application development
• Experience with software integration and formal testing
• Knowledge and experience implementing Cyber Security/RMF requirements
• Ability to present advanced concepts to non‑software engineers, including senior program and military leaders
• Proven ability/experience to mentor and teach junior engineers
• Experience with performance modeling
• Experience with microservices
• Experience with DevSecOps and/or build management
• Designing and building graphical user interfaces
• Flexibility and willingness to take on unanticipated tasks
• Good verbal and written communication skills, ability to work independently, and willingness to work in a highly dynamic environment

What We Can Offer You

• Health Plan
• Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Education Assistance
• Training and Development
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Primary 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 and 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.

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 U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.