Graphics Simulation Software Engineer

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems; United States; On-site; USD 114,000 - 213,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Savings plan

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector seeks a Graphics Simulation Software Engineer (Level 3/4) in Dulles, VA, to develop advanced spacecraft simulation software and 3D models using Blender and OpenSceneGraph. You will contribute to multiple projects across the full software lifecycle.

The role requires 3D graphics experience with C/C++, Python, and familiarity with Windows/Linux, plus an active Top Secret clearance. Onsite work only; relocation allowances may apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant professional experience or Master’s with 3 years or PhD with 1 year in software/graphics.
• Active U.S. Government Top-Secret security clearance, current and within scope (US citizenship required).
• 3D graphics development using OSG/OpenGL/Vulkan or similar.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python; experience building models and simulations.
• Experience in Windows and Linux environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan and develop spacecraft simulation software across full lifecycle.
• Develop models to support multi-project simulations.
• Establish simulation requirements and validate space vehicle models.
• Create design documents, analyses, and test results for customers.
• Convert CAD models into optimized 3D visualizer models with Blender.
• Implement software interaction between simulated components and 3D visualizations.
• Enhance graphical capabilities of the simulation architecture (OpenSceneGraph/OpenGL/Vulkan).

Skills

3D graphics development

OpenSceneGraph

OpenGL

Vulkan

C/C++

Python

modeling

Windows

Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering or similar (graphics emphasis)

Master’s degree in related field

PhD in related field

Tools

Blender

Jenkins

Jira

Bitbucket

GitLab

OpenSceneGraph

OpenGL

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

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 is welcome.

As a Graphics Simulation Software Engineer– Level 3 or 4, your role at Dulles, VA will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.

A Graphics Simulation Software Engineer develops spacecraft 3D models and contributes to graphics software within the full software lifecycle. They perform graphical modeling and simulation across multiple projects using C/C++, Python, and 3D tools such as Blender. Preferred candidates have experience modeling sensors, actuators, and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft performance and support aerospace integration and test. Knowledge of waterfall, spiral, and Agile methods, along with CI/DevSecOps tools like Jenkins, Jira, Bitbucket, and GitLab, is also valuable. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, and be involved in the full software lifecycle to develop spacecraft simulation software using state-of-the-art tools and software best practices.
• Develop models to support modeling and simulation activities across multiple projects.
• Establish simulation requirements.
• Work with other engineering disciplines to integrate and validate space vehicle modeling and simulation.
• Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results, and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
• Convert engineering spacecraft CAD models into optimized 3D visualizer tool models, using software such as Blender.
• Develop software interaction between the simulated spacecraft components and the 3D visualization models.
• Contribute to our ever-expanding graphical capabilities of the spacecraft simulation architecture using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar.

Basic Qualifications for Level 3:

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)
• Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
• 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar
• Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python
• Experience building models and simulations
• Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of relevant professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant professional experience – OR – PhD with 4 years of relevant professional experience. (Degree should be in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a similar technical program with a computer graphics emphasis.)
• Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
• 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL, Vulkan, or similar
• Diverse programming proficiency: C/C++, Python
• Experience building models and simulations
• Able to develop in both Windows and Linux environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization
• Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience
• Agile development methodology, specifically Scrum, using Jira
• Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices
• Usage and configuration of DevOps/CI/CD technologies (Jenkins, Ansible, Docker, etc.)

Salary Information

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary 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 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.

Benefits

• 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.

Equal Opportunity & Employment

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.

We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.

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.