Principal / Sr. Principal Software Engineer - Software Assurance

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding.  Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.

Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Sector is currently seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Software Engineer - Software Assurance to join our talented Research and Advanced Development Team onsite in El Segundo, CA.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.

Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.

• →Develop and maintain the Software Assurance Evaluation Report (SAER), including initial template creation and annual updates.
• →Develop and update the Software and Firmware Assurance Plan to meet PPP, NIST 8397, and US Government guidance.
• →Collaborate with DevOps and System Security Engineering to configure and maintain:
• →Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
• →Dynamic analysis and container scanning
• →Vulnerability scanning and related assurance tools
• →Perform scans of supplier software and firmware (where compilable), analyze results, and work with suppliers to remediate vulnerabilities.
• →Provide weekly review of automated tool findings and deliver mitigation recommendations to NG teams and the customer.
• →Support setup and deployment of code-signing tooling and related secure build/deployment mechanisms.
• →Sustain ongoing software/firmware assurance activities through baseline, incremental, and option year phases (2027–2031), including periodic (e.g., monthly) supplier SW/FW scans and reporting.

The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.

**This role may be filled at either the Principal Software Engineer or a Sr. Principal Software Engineer level based on the qualifications below.**

• Principal Engineer: Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline with 5 years of engineering related experience or a Masters in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience
• Sr. Principal Engineer: Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of engineering related experience OR a Masters in STEM with 6 years of related engineering experience OR a PhD in STEM with 4 years of related engineering experience
• Hands-on experience with application security and vulnerability management tools (e.g., SAST, DAST, container scanning, and vulnerability scanners).
• Familiarity with secure development lifecycle practices and configuration of DevOps/CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to analyze scan results, identify vulnerabilities, and develop practical mitigation recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing technical plans or reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (DevOps, suppliers, customer, security engineering).
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity OR Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Direct experience with NIST guidance (e.g., NIST 8397) and PPP or equivalent program protection frameworks.
• Experience in software and firmware assurance for complex, multi-supplier systems.
• Prior involvement in code-signing implementation and secure build/deployment architectures.
• Experience on large government or defense programs, especially in system security or software assurance IPTs.
• Familiarity with containerized environments, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native security tooling.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate assurance activities across multiple teams and suppliers.

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

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