Autonomy Software Integration and Test Lead

Northrop Grumman; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 213,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plan

Health insurance

Dental & Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Software Engineer to join the Advanced Autonomy Team in El Segundo, CA, onsite, with a Top Secret clearance.

You will lead software integration and test efforts, building robust CI/CD pipelines and on-site support for demonstrations of mission-critical autonomy systems. Ideal candidates have a STEM degree and extensive experience in Python/C++ on Linux, DevOps, and Agile practices, with familiarity in secure, hardened environments and DoD-related

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 8 years of applicable experience, OR 6 years with Master’s Degree OR 4 years with a PhD.
• Experience with Python, C++, and Linux based development environments
• Experience in software integration, test engineering, or DevOps for mission-critical systems.
• Proficiency with automation tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, Ansible), containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and automated test frameworks.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex integration issues under time-critical demo conditions.
• Experience with Agile best practices and processes.
• Your ability to obtain and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance, and any program access required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines that automate builds, deployments, and regression testing.
• Develop integration test plans that verify interoperability, data flow, and real-time command execution.
• Configure and manage the demonstration environments, including GFx and government deployments, simulation stand-up, and software licensing.
• Provide on-site support during deployment demonstration to achieve target “setup time” and “time-to-command” metrics.

Skills

Python

C++

Linux

DevOps

Jenkins

GitLab CI

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

Agile

Clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Tools

GitLab CI

Jenkins

Docker/Kubernetes

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

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.

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 Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Sr. Principal Software Engineer position to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals onsite in El Segundo, CA. This position will be a part of the Advanced Autonomy Team as Software Integration and Test Lead, performing an important role in the AS sector's autonomy efforts!

Accomplish

This individual will be responsible for but not limited to:

• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines that automate builds, deployments, and regression testing.
• Develop integration test plans that verify interoperability, data flow, and real-time command execution.
• Configure and manage the demonstration environments, including GFx and government deployments, simulation stand-up, and software licensing.
• Provide on-site support during deployment demonstration to achieve target “setup time” and “time-to-command” metrics.

Succeed

The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented, and will possess the following qualifications.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 8 years of applicable experience, OR 6 years with Master’s Degree OR 4 years with a PhD.
• Experience with Python, C++, and Linux based development environments
• Experience in software integration, test engineering, or DevOps for mission-critical systems.
• Proficiency with automation tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI, Ansible), containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and automated test frameworks.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex integration issues under time-critical demo conditions.
• Experience with Agile best practices and processes.
• Your ability to obtain and maintain the final adjudicated government Top Secret clearance, and any program access (es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating COTS applications into secure, hardened environments and handling CUI data.
• Existing Department of Defense Secret level security clearance or higher
• Proven experience in Mission Autonomy
• Understanding of contested environment operations, EW/EMCON constraints

Thrive with Us

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.

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such that 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.