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

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; 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 is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for the X-Lab at Schriever AFB. You will contribute to the C2BMC program by delivering full‑cycle software, applying OO design, and integrating sensor/weapon technologies across Windows and Unix/Linux environments.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor’s in a related field with 5 years of experience (or Master’s with 3), active DoD Secret clearance, and DoD‑8140 IAT Level II.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/Software Eng/Engineering/Math/Physics with 5 years' experience; or Master’s with 3 years; or 9 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Full-cycle software engineering for new capabilities.
• Drive software design with basic systems engineering knowledge.
• Develop in Java or other OO languages; apply OO principles.
• Deploy, integrate, and troubleshoot on Windows and Unix/Linux.
• Use Eclipse, Maven, Git/GitLab, Python, Ansible for build and config management.
• Create Bash scripts for automated build-and-test pipelines.
• Maintain test coverage with JUnit and Mockito.

Skills

Java development

Object-oriented programming

JUnit/Mockito testing

Python

Git/GitLab

Eclipse IDE

Maven

Bash scripting

Linux/Unix

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s Degree

Tools

Eclipse IDE

Maven

Git/GitLab

Python

Ansible

Job description

Principal Software Engineer (X‑Lab)

Company: Northrop Grumman Space Systems – Missile Defense Integration

Location: Schriever Space Force Base, CO (on‑site, no remote work)

Clearance Required: Secret (current, active DoD‑8140 IAT Level II certification also required)

Travel: 10% of the time for business needs

Position Overview

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. This role supports U.S. President, Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders by enabling the planning, monitoring, and control of missile defense operations. As part of the X‑Lab, you will develop and integrate future‑capability prototypes, including sensor/weapon integration, algorithm development, user interface development, and other advanced missile defense technologies.

Essential Functions

• Full‑cycle software engineering for new capabilities
• Basic Systems Engineering knowledge to drive software design
• Software development in Java or other object‑oriented languages
• Application of Object‑Oriented principles and patterns
• Adaptability to rapidly changing requirements and novel design challenges
• Deployment, integration, and troubleshooting across Windows and Unix/Linux platforms
• Use of Eclipse IDE, Maven, Git/GitLab, Python, Ansible for build, version control, and configuration management
• Creation and maintenance of Bash scripts for automated build‑and‑test pipelines
• Experience with JUnit, Mockito, and automated test frameworks; ability to maintain test coverage
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or related field with 5 years of experience; or Master’s Degree with 3 years of experience; or 9 years of relevant experience
• Current, active DoD‑8140 IAT Level II or higher certification (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA‑Security, CySA+, CND, etc.)
• Current, active DoD‑issued Secret security clearance at the time of application
• Willingness to travel 10% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands‑on Java development in a secure or defense‑related environment
• Strong command of 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

Salary & Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 – $155,400.00 (base pay, subject to market and experience)

Additional compensation includes potential overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and long‑term incentive options for senior positions.

Benefits include Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, Education Assistance, Training and Development, and flexible work arrangements. For a full benefits overview, visit the company benefits portal.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make hiring 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.

Citizenship Requirement

U.S. citizenship is required for all positions that require a government clearance or other restricted designation.