Principal/Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corp.; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 109,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp in Rolling Meadows, IL is hiring a Principal or Senior Principal Software Engineer to develop, operate, and maintain embedded software and firmware for mission systems on Linux or VxWorks, leveraging DevSecOps, Agile, and Model‑based Engineering.

The role involves design, development, testing, and integration, collaboration with customers and suppliers, and technical leadership, with travel up to 10% and a U.S. citizenship requirement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience,or Master’s degree with 3+ years, or equivalent experience plus 4 additional years.
• Proficient in Object‑Oriented Programming with C++.
• Familiarity with software architecture, design patterns, and object‑oriented design.
• Experience scripting with Python, Bash, Batch, or similar.
• Experience developing embedded software running Linux or VxWorks.
• Knowledge of Waterfall and/or Agile development methodologies.
• Proficient with version control systems (Git, GitLab, GitHub, Bitbucket, ClearCase) and Agile planning tools (Rally, Jira).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Current Active Secret Clearance; additional customer‑specified clearance required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and integrate embedded software for mission systems.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams to gather requirements and deliver solutions.
• Apply engineering standards, processes, and tools throughout the system development life cycle.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and promote continuous improvement.
• Support DevSecOps, Agile, and Model‑based Engineering initiatives.

Skills

C++

Python

Object‑oriented design

Git

GitLab

GitHub

Bitbucket

ClearCase

Jira

Rally

Linux

VxWorks

Agile practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering or related

Master’s degree with 3+ years or equivalent

Tools

Git

GitLab

GitHub

Bitbucket

ClearCase

Jira

Rally

Job description

Overview

Principal or Senior Principal Software Engineer responsible for developing, operating, and maintaining embedded software and firmware components on Linux or VxWorks for Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. The role supports enterprise-wide digital transformation, leveraging Model‑based Engineering, DevSecOps, and Agile practices.

Location: Rolling Meadows, IL (on‑site). Travel: 10% of the time. Relocation assistance may be available. Security Clearance: SAP. U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and integrate embedded software for mission systems.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers, and cross‑functional teams to gather requirements and deliver solutions.
• Apply engineering standards, processes, and tools throughout the system development life cycle.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and promote continuous improvement.
• Support DevSecOps, Agile, and Model‑based Engineering initiatives.

Qualifications – Principal Software Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline with 5+ years of engineering experience,or Master’s degree with 3+ years, or equivalent experience plus 4 additional years.
• Proficient in Object‑Oriented Programming with C++.
• Familiarity with software architecture, design patterns, and object‑oriented design.
• Experience scripting with Python, Bash, Batch, or similar.
• Experience developing embedded software running Linux or VxWorks.
• Knowledge of Waterfall and/or Agile development methodologies.
• Proficient with version control systems (Git, GitLab, GitHub, Bitbucket, ClearCase) and Agile planning tools (Rally, Jira).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Current Active Secret Clearance; additional customer‑specified clearance required.

Qualifications – Senior Principal Software Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related discipline with 8+ years of engineering experience,or Master’s degree with 6+ years, or equivalent experience plus 4 additional years.
• Proficient in Object‑Oriented Programming with C++.
• Familiarity with software architecture, design patterns, and object‑oriented design.
• Experience scripting with Python, Bash, Batch, or similar.
• Experience developing embedded software running Linux or VxWorks.
• Knowledge of Waterfall and/or Agile development methodologies.
• Proficient with version control systems (Git, GitLab, GitHub, Bitbucket, ClearCase) and Agile planning tools (Rally, Jira).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Current Active Secret Clearance; additional customer‑specified clearance required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with C++11 and modern C++ features.
• Advanced scripting skills in Python, Bash, Batch, or similar.
• Experience with testing, debugging, and integrating embedded software on target hardware.
• Experience with complex parallel, multi‑threaded, distributed, and secure processing systems.
• Active Secret Clearance.
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and strong interpersonal communication.

Salary

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 – $163,200.00. Base salary may vary based on scope, responsibilities, and candidate qualifications.

EEO Statement

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.