Principal Software Engineer (26-434) (Space AHT)

Northrop Grumman; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 104,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Plan

Savings Plan

Paid Time Off

Education Assistance

Training and Development

Flexible Work Arrangements

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration in Colorado Springs seeks a Principal Software Engineer to join the C2BMC Global team, focused on Java-based software for a large, distributed, mission-critical system.

The role requires a Top Secret clearance, on-site work, and a track record in Java, Unix/Linux, and Agile development to support national defense programs.

You will collaborate across engineering, test, cyber, and operations to deliver robust software and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field with 5+ years of experience; or Master’s with 3+ years; or 9+ years of experience in lieu of degree.
• Active Top Secret clearance required to start.
• Proficiency in Java for distributed systems development.
• Experience in Unix/Linux environments and standard software engineering practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain Java-based software for a large distributed system.
• Analyze and support a large Java codebase with complex problem resolution.
• Follow specifications to ensure robust, maintainable functionality.
• Design, code, test, and implement automation tools to improve efficiency.
• Prepare documentation and support materials for new capabilities.
• Collaborate with systems engineering, test, cyber, and operations teams.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and identify root causes.
• Work both independently and in a focused team in a dynamic environment.

Skills

Java

Unix/Linux

OOP

Design patterns

Agile

Communication

Problem solving

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Software Engineering/Math/Physics

Master's degree in related field

9 years of related work experience as alternative to degree

Tools

Git

Nexus

JIRA

Confluence

Maven

Eclipse

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer (26-434) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.

This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.

Position Overview

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals.

C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.

We are seeking a Software Engineer to join the C2BMC Global team, with a primary responsibility for developing Java software for a large, distributed, mission-critical system.

Essential Functions

• Design, develop, and maintain Java-based software for the C2BMC Global system, contributing to a large, complex, distributed mission environment
• Provide in-depth analysis and technical support of a large Java code baseline, including complex problem resolution, design, development, integration, testing, and user support
• Follow specifications and system requirements to develop or modify functionality within the code base, ensuring robustness, performance, and maintainability
• Design, code, test, and implement tools to support automation and improve operational efficiency and system reliability
• Assist with software design, benchmark testing, debugging, and documentation to support new capabilities and enhancements
• Interface with other system support groups, including systems engineering, integration and test, cyber, operations, and other development teams—to resolve problems, set standards, and improve overall system efficiency
• Analyze and troubleshoot performance and operational issues, identify root causes, and recommend and implement effective solutions
• Work both independently and as part of a small, focused team in a highly dynamic and evolving environment, adapting to changing priorities and tasking
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including design descriptions, test plans, test reports, and user support materials
• Apply established software practices and coding standards to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with programming and customer expectations
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging lessons learned and emerging technologies to enhance C2BMC Global capabilities

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 5 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 9 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree
• Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the eligibility to be read onto SCI clearance
• Proficiency in Java, with the ability to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot Java applications in a complex, distributed environment
• Experience developing software in a Unix/Linux environment
• Strong understanding of software development principles, including:
• Object-oriented programming (OOP)
• Common design patterns
• Testing and debugging techniques
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with team members, stakeholders, and customers
• Ability to work effectively in a rapid-paced, collaborative team environment, as well as independently when needed
• Knowledge of software engineering practices and coding standards, and the discipline to work within a structured development and release environment
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to:
• Review performance and operational issues
• Identify root causes
• Recommend and develop appropriate solutions
• Experience working as part of an Agile software development team
• Familiarity with Java Spring and related frameworks
• Knowledge of server-side development and message passing in distributed systems
• Experience developing enterprise-scale applications
• Flexibility and willingness to take on unanticipated tasking and rapidly learn new technologies or domains
• Experience using common software development and management tools such as:
• Git, Nexus, JIRA, Confluence, Maven, Eclipse (or similar IDEs)
• Understanding standard systems engineering design artifacts such as Use Cases and UML diagrams, and how they drive software design and implementation

Preferred Qualifications

• Applicants with a current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND, etc.) at the time of application are highly desired
• Command and control system application development experience, particularly in defense or real-time/near–real-time environments
• Previous experience with message translation software and related integration patterns
• Prior experience designing and developing microservices and deploying them using containers

What We Can Offer You

• Health Plan
• Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Education Assistance
• Training and Development
• Flexible Work Arrangements

https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00

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.

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.