2026 Associate/ Embedded Software Engineer - Dulles VA

Northrop Grumman; Virginia; On-site; USD 76,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Dulles, VA, is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer – Level 1/2 to support mission-critical space flight software. The role requires self-motivation, proactive collaboration, and a strong background in C/C++, Python, and Linux on embedded platforms.

This onsite position offers a 9/80 work schedule, occasional travel up to 10%, and potential relocation assistance. Clearances are required for start and program access.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 0 years of relevant professional experience – OR – Master’s degree
• US citizenship required
• Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python
• Understanding of embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices
• Core affinity and parallel processing experience
• Demonstrable programming experience on Linux
• GPA of 3.0 or above

Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software modules for flight software platforms
• Establish flight-software requirements, testing, and verification plans
• Perform trade studies via simulations and development boards
• Integrate spacecraft components with the simulation platform
• Contribute to hardware definition and software design, development, and debugging
• Analyze system resources to improve efficiency, stability, and processing speed
• Prepare design documentation and test results for internal/external customers
• Collaborate with engineers to diagnose issues during software installation and integration

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux

RTOS

Embedded systems

Flight software

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering)

Master's degree

Tools

UART

Synchronous Serial

MIL-STD-1553

SpaceWire

SPI

RS-422

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

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.

If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As an Embedded Software Engineer – Level 1/ 2, your role at Dulles, VA, will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.

Ready to join forces with our visionary team?

This Embedded Software Engineer will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization, developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.

This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop embedded software modules and have familiarity with data protocols including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO, and others
• Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing, and verification plan.
• Performs trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.
• Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform.
• Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
• Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
• Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
• Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
• Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.

Basic Qualifications for Level 1:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 0 years of relevant professional experience – OR – Master’s degree
• US citizenship required
• Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.
• Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices
• Core affinity and parallel processing experience
• Experience with understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing
• Demonstrable programming experience on Linux
• GPA of 3.0 or above

Basic Qualifications for Level 2:

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 2 years of relevant professional experience – OR – Master’s degree
• US citizenship required
• Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.
• Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices
• Core affinity and parallel processing experience
• Experience with understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing
• Demonstrable programming experience on Linux
• GPA of 3.0 or above

Preferred Qualifications:

• Top-Secret / SCI
• System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness, and Visualization
• Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces
• GPA of 3.5 or above

Associate: $76,200 - $114,400

Engineer: $91,800 - $137,600

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards

#SpaceEngJobs
#SpaceSoftwareJobs
#SpaceGNCJobs
#NoVASpace
#SPEnhancedERAP

Primary Level Salary Range: $76,200.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00

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 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.