Principal Software Engineer (X-Lab) (26-328)

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 103,600 - 155,400; 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 at Schriever Space Force Base, CO is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead full-cycle software engineering for new capabilities in a fast-paced security-focused environment.

The role requires on-site work with no remote options, DoD 8140 IAT II certification, Secret clearance, and 10% travel. You will work with Java, Linux/Unix, and build/test automation tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/SE/Math with 5 years of experience, or Master’s with 3 years, or 9 years equivalent.
• Active DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher at time of application.
• Active DoD Secret security clearance at time of application.
• Willingness to travel 10% for business needs.
• Experience deploying, integrating, and troubleshooting across Windows and Unix/Linux.

Responsibilities

• Full-cycle software engineering for new capabilities.
• Drive software design with basic systems engineering understanding.
• Develop software using Java (or another OO language).
• Apply OO principles and design patterns; manage rapid changes and tight deadlines.
• Operate on-site at MDIOC Schriever SFB, CO; some work at Hwy 83 facility; no remote work.
• Produce repeatable test artifacts and maintain coverage with JUnit/Mockito.

Skills

Java development

Spring framework

Linux environments

Windows environments

Build/test automation

Git/GitLab

Python

Ansible

JUnit/Mockito

Bash scripting

Eclipse IDE/Maven

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science / Software Eng / Math

Master's degree in related field (preferred)

DoD 8140 certification (IAT Level II or higher)

Tools

Git/GitLab

Eclipse IDE

Maven

Python tooling

Ansible

Job description

Relocation Assistance

No relocation assistance available.

Security Clearance

Clearance required for start: Yes. Clearance type: Secret.

Travel

Yes, 10% of the time.

Position Overview

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 (X‑Lab) (26‑328) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based at Schriever Space Force Base, 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.

Essential Functions

• Full-cycle software engineering for new capabilities
• Basic Systems Engineering understanding to drive software design
• Software development using Java (or another object‑oriented language)
• Principles and patterns of Object‑Oriented development
• Comfortable with rapidly changing requirements, design challenges requiring novel solutions, fast‑paced work, and tight deadlines
• This full‑time position is based on‑site at the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center (MDIOC) in Schriever SFB, CO, and does not offer remote work options
• Some work is required at the Hwy 83 facility
• Work hours outside the usual schedule are probable during event execution

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, 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 DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, CCNA‑Security, CySA+, CND, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their DoD 8140 certification throughout the entire contract period
• Applicants must have a current, active in‑scope DoD‑issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
• Willingness to travel 10% of the time for business needs
• Managing application deployment, integration, and troubleshooting across Windows and Unix/Linux platforms
• Experience with Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems
• Experience with any of the following: Eclipse IDE, Maven, Git/GitLab, Python, and Ansible for build, version control, and configuration management
• Write and maintain Bash scripts for automating build-and-test pipelines
• Experience with JUnit, Mockito, and automated test frameworks
• Ability to produce repeatable test artifacts and maintain test coverage
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of hands‑on Java development in a secure or defense‑related environment
• Strong command of the Java Spring framework (Spring MVC, Spring Data, Spring Boot)
• Experience working within Linux environments
• Experience with software testing and analysis tools
• Knowledge of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML is a plus

What We Can Offer You

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

Primary Level Salary Range

$103,600.00 - $155,400.00

Benefits and Compensation

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, Education Assistance, Training and Development, Flexible Work Arrangements.

For more information, visit https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.