Embedded Software Co-op: C/C++/Python for Real-Time Systems

Northrop Grumman; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Spring 2027 software co-op in Mission Systems, McClellan, CA, to join the NIC division.

You will design, develop, and test navigation and mission‑planning software in an embedded/RT environment, using C/C++ and Python, within an Agile Scrum team and strict safety standards.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams and gain hands‑on experience with CI pipelines, code reviews, and certification artifacts while contributing to high‑assurance defense programs.

Qualifications

• Be a student enrolled full-time in Fall 2027.
• Majoring in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related STEM degree.
• Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during spring 2027.
• Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre‑requisite).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior software engineers to design, develop, and integrate software components for navigation and mission‑planning systems.
• Write clean, maintainable C/C++ and Python code that will run on embedded and real‑time platforms.
• Perform unit, integration, and system‑level testing using automated test frameworks and continuous integration pipelines.
• Participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback, and incorporate peer recommendations to improve code quality and reliability.
• Document design decisions, API specifications, and operational procedures for internal use and external audits.
• Assist in troubleshooting and performance profiling of flight‑critical software to meet stringent safety and latency requirements.
• Contribute to the development of safety‑critical certification artifacts (e.g., DO‑178C design reviews, IS‑145 safety analyses).
• Work within Agile Scrum teams: attend sprint planning, daily stand‑ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives.
• Coordinate with cross‑functional teams (systems engineering, hardware integration, security) to ensure seamless end‑to‑end mission support.
• Explore and prototype emerging technologies that could enhance navigation accuracy and resilience.

Skills

Embedded C/C++

Python

Agile/Scrum

Safety-critical development

DoD software lifecycle

Education

Software Engineering or Computer Science degree

Tools

CI/CD pipelines

Automated testing frameworks

Job description

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Spring 2027 software co-op in Mission Systems, McClellan, CA, to join the NIC division.

You will design, develop, and test navigation and mission‑planning software in an embedded/RT environment, using C/C++ and Python, within an Agile Scrum team and strict safety standards.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams and gain hands‑on experience with CI pipelines, code reviews, and certification artifacts while contributing to high‑assurance defense programs.