Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Private healthcare

Cash health plan

Holiday buy/sell

Career development

Performance bonuses

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design, develop, and maintain critical infrastructure powering our services. You will lead multiple teams, deliver core solutions, and guide delivery to meet customer needs, while mentoring engineers and shaping high-quality designs.

The role emphasizes technical leadership across projects, collaboration with partners, and delivering robust backend systems in a dynamic environment. Salary reflects seniority and UK market norms.

Qualifications

• Experience as a software engineer with backend focus and scalable systems.
• Proficiency in Java Spring Boot and Python or similar.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD, and containerization tools.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of multiple teams’ deliverables and define paths to meet customer requirements.
• Represent NG UK as the prime technical contact for your area.
• Collaborate with senior external partners and customers, coordinating between organisations.

Skills

Backend development

Frontend development

DevOps

CI/CD

Kubernetes

Docker

AWS

Java

Spring Boot

Tools

Jenkins

Kubernetes

Docker

AWS

Job description

• Backend development (Java Spring Boot, Maven, Python)

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. We call it Defining Possible.

This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

Salary: £80,200 - £120,400

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining the critical infrastructure that powers our services. You will work on a variety of unique and complex projects, delivering core solutions that have real impact.

You will bring strong technical leadership, guiding teams through both technical and delivery challenges while shaping solutions that meet customer needs.

“My purpose is to lead a team of engineers, rise to the challenges presented, push the boundaries and define possible together.” – Principal Software Manager, Northrop Grumman UK

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of multiple teams’ deliverables and work with technical leads to define a path that meets customer requirements.
• Represent Northrop Grumman UK as the prime technical contact for your area.
• Collaborate with senior external partners and customers, often coordinating between organisations.
• Mentor and guide engineers to support skills development and overall team growth.
• Contribute to high‑quality technical design, development, and delivery planning.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Software Engineer with strong capability in one or more of the following:
  • Backend development (Java Spring Boot, Maven, Python)
  • Frontend development (JavaScript/TypeScript, React, npm)
• Proven experience designing, developing, and deploying scalable backend systems.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD and containerisation technologies (Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills, ideally within an agile environment.

If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Talent, mindset, and potential matter to us.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be British National for this clearance type.

You must currently hold the Highest Level of UK Government security clearance.

Our recruitment team is on hand to support you and guide you through the process: [e-mail]

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including an optional compressed fortnight
• Private healthcare
• Cash health plan
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Career development programmes and ongoing specialist training
• Performance‑based bonuses
• A range of wellbeing, financial, and lifestyle benefits

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In

Every day, we contribute to building a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. The work we do together matters.

A Place to Belong and Thrive

Every voice matters. We are proud of our inclusive community and our partnerships with organisations championing diversity, mental health, and veteran careers. You can bring your authentic self to work and thrive here.

Your Career, Your Way

Shape your career with diverse opportunities, mentoring, training programmes, and the flexibility to balance work and life. Your professional growth and wellbeing are at the heart of our culture.

#SOFT-ENG-DEVOPS

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.