Embedded Flight Software Engineer – Level 5

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 169,000 - 253,600; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in Linthicum, MD is seeking an Embedded Flight Software Engineer (Level 5) to design, develop, integrate, and test software for space payloads using C++, Linux, and Python. This 100% onsite role works in a fast‑paced, cross‑disciplinary environment.

Relocation may be available; travel about 10%. The position requires U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain DoD TS/SCI clearance. Salary range: $169,000–$253,600 per year with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years in embedded real‑time software
• Master's degree with 10+ years, or Ph.D. with 8+ years
• Proficiency in C++ and object‑oriented design
• Strong understanding of the software development life‑cycle
• Experience integrating low‑level firmware in multi‑threaded embedded apps

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test embedded real‑time software for space payload systems
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines in data‑processing planning and design
• Participate in an Agile Scrum team and peer design reviews
• Translate requirements into design solutions and implement complex software
• Mentor junior team members and provide feedback
• Prioritize tasks and support stakeholder decisions

Skills

C++

Linux

Python

Object‑oriented

Software life‑cycle

Embedded RTOS

Multithreading

GDB debugging

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/SE

Master's degree in related field

Ph.D. in related field

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Bitbucket

Job description

Embedded Flight Software Engineer – Level 5

Location: Linthicum, MD.

At Northrop Grumman's Space Sector, we are seeking an Embedded Flight Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test software that manages a space payload unit, ensuring compliance with established requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test embedded real‑time software for space payload systems, primarily using C++, Linux, and Python.
• Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with other engineering disciplines in the planning, design, development, and utilization of data‑processing systems.
• Participate in an agile Scrum team, including peer reviews of software designs, product documentation, and cross‑functional sprint activities.
• Interpret system requirements, translate them into design solutions, and implement complex technical solutions to meet program goals.
• Mentor and review the work of junior team members, providing constructive feedback.
• Prioritize tasks, make recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, and support the execution of assigned priorities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related STEM discipline with 12+years of software development experience on embedded real‑time systems, or
• Master's degree with 10+years of experience, or Ph.D. with 8+years of experience.
• Proficiency in Object‑Oriented programming with C++.
• Strong knowledge of the formal software life‑cycle from requirements to testing.
• Experience integrating low‑level firmware and software in complex, multi‑threaded embedded applications.
• Ability to use tools and logs to verify operation and diagnose issues.
• Experience mentoring, reviewing work products, and providing meaningful feedback.
• Hands‑on experience with Linux development environments and cross‑compiling for embedded targets.
• Familiarity with software configuration management tools.
• U.S. Citizenship. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance (no clearance required to start).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a member of an Agile Scrum team.
• Proficiency in Python development.
• Embedded C++ optimization techniques.
• Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development or modification.
• Debugging skills using GDB.
• Experience with Atlassian tools (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket).
• Hands‑on hardware integration and testing experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance (preferred).

Additional Details

Relocation assistance may be available. Travel: approximately 10% of the time. Position is 100% onsite. Work schedule is a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Salary range: $169,000 – $253,600 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. Total rewards and benefits include health insurance, life and disability coverage, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit our EEO website.