The Payload and Ground Systems organization within the Northrop Grumman Space Systems pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking an experienced Principal /Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join a dynamic team in Fairfax, VA, that supports projects related to space-based optical communications systems. The candidate will work with large datasets from various sources to develop software that characterizes and predicts the impacts of the atmosphere on various missions. The work will include complex algorithm development for software that contains logical and mathematical solutions to quantify and optimize operational decision-making and mission performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in analytic and scientific programming, and attributes that include collaboration, creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. The candidate should place a high value on rigorous testing, comprehensive documentation, and the maintainability of the software solutions. The candidate should expect to work in office in a collaborative environment with a team that includes atmospheric scientists and systems engineers.
The selected candidate's tasks encompass the following: Designs, develops, documents, tests and debugs software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions; Collaborates with systems engineers and/or hardware engineers in planning, design, and development; Determines mission and user needs; Analyzes system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls; Regularly tests and revises software to ensure software alignment with strategic goals and customer expectations.
What You'll Get to Do:

Analyze user requirements to derive software design and performance requirements
* Design and code new software or modify existing software to add new features, debug existing software and correct defects
* Implement prototype software to produce an efficient and sustainable solution
* Develop software solutions by analyzing system performance standards, and through discussions with users or system engineers
* Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design
* Assist with developing and executing test procedures for software components
Basic Qualifications

For Principal (Lvl 3): Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field with 5 years relevant experience; A Master's Degree with 3 years of related experience; a PhD; or 9 years of experience in lieu of degree
* For Sr. Principal (Lvl 4): Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field with 8 years relevant experience; A Master's Degree with 6 years of related experience; a PhD with 3 years of related experience; or 12 years of experience in lieu of degree
* Demonstrated proficiency with Linux
* Demonstrated proficiency with Python
* Experience with version control practices
* Active Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications

Experience with developing or using containerized software
* Experience with cloud computing to scale solutions
* Experience with productizing software solutions
* Active TS Security Clearance
Salary Range: $107,300 - $160,900
Salary Range 2: $133,000 - $199,600
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.
Employees may be eligible for 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 committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.