Sr Principal Software Engineer
Quick Summary
Provide technical leadership for the development, implementation, and maintenance of modular simulation and modeling software (e.g., C++, Python), guiding the team in architecture, standards,
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Software Engineer to join our team on site in San Diego, CA, El Segundo, CA, Palmdale, CA or Oklahoma City, OK. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with experience working in an Integrated Product Team (IPT) environment. In this role, you will be a key member of the Models & Simulation team, leading the planning, integration, and delivery of software releases, as well as diagnosing and resolving complex technical issues.
Responsibilities
~1 min read- →
Provide technical leadership for the development, implementation, and maintenance of modular simulation and modeling software (e.g., C++, Python), guiding the team in architecture, standards, and best practices.
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Lead the integration of simulation components with system interfaces, middleware, and test harnesses; establish integration strategies and ensure interoperable data flows and real-time performance across the team.
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Define and oversee verification and validation strategies, review test plans and results, and direct the resolution of defects to ensure model fidelity, accuracy, and traceability to requirements.
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Drive performance and scalability optimization efforts; set priorities for profiling and tuning, reduce latency, and champion CI/CD pipelines for automated builds, testing, and deployments.
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Coordinate with systems engineers, testers, and stakeholders to translate requirements into simulation capabilities and scenarios; review and approve technical documentation; and lead technical presentations and demonstrations.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.
Requirements
~3 min read•Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience.
•Experience with the full SW Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
•Experience with the following programming and scripting languages: C/C++, and Python
•Experience with two of the following tools: Jira, Crucible, Bitbucket, Gitlab, Subversion, Bamboo, Jenkins, Sonarqube, Fortify, or Coverity
•Experience with Agile SW development, embedded system programming, SW integration and testing
•Familiarity with at least one of the wire data interfaces: 1553, 1394, Serial, CAN, Ethernet/IP, or Fibre Channel, etc.
•Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
•Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers and integration/test engineers to develop and maintain complex SW systems
•Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.
•Active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
•Experience and proficiency in software architecture, design, implementation, integration, and debugging C++ SW running on Real-Time Operating systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux.
•Experience with developing multi-threaded SW
•Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership, teamwork capabilities, excellent oral and written communications skills, and strong interpersonal communication skills.
•Demonstrated professional experience developing software Java
•Can identify moderate execution defects by only reading code
•Understanding of how their embedded SW component will fit into a larger SW system / architecture
•Able to document, capture, and present software architectural components in modeling or diagramming tools
•Experience with Static & Dynamic Code Analysis
Primary Level Salary Range: $116,300.00 - $213,400.00The 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.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 http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Location & Eligibility
Listing Details
- First seen
- October 8, 2026
- Last seen
- October 8, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 49%
- Scored at
- October 8, 2026
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