Staff Ground Software Architect – Space Ground Systems AHT

0909 SP - Orbital Space Systems; United States; On-site; USD 177,000 - 266,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in McLean, VA seeks a Staff-level Ground Software Architect (T5) to lead design and implementation of next-generation ground systems for space programs. This onsite role requires Top Secret clearance and a strong background in software architecture for complex aerospace systems.

You will define end-to-end architectures, drive modern practices (CI/CD, containerization, IaC), mentor engineers, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver mission-critical capabilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 12+ years of software experience or advanced degree with 8+ years of experience.
• Strong background in software development and architecture for complex systems.
• Experience with Linux, CI/CD, containerization, and modern programming languages (Python, C/C++, Java).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical leader and software architect for ground systems.
• Define, document, and evolve end-to-end ground software architectures and interfaces.
• Advise on integration of new technologies (cloud, containers, orchestration, automation).
• Lead full lifecycle software development, testing, deployment, and sustainment.
• Mentor engineers and present technical briefings to leadership and customers.
• Drive adoption of CI/CD, containerization, and infrastructure as code.

Skills

Python

C/C++

Java

Linux

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

Jenkins

Git

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Master’s degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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.

Job Description

Join Northrop Grumman on our mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and your ideas have real impact on missions that matter. As part of our Tactical Space organization, you will help design and deliver ground software solutions that enable critical space missions, from launch and early orbit through routine on‑orbit operations. We are seeking a Staff‑level Ground Software Architect (T5) to lead the design and implementation of next‑generation ground systems for space programs. This position is based in McLean, VA and requires onsite work in a secure environment.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will: Serve as a technical leader and software architect for ground systems supporting space missions. Define, document, and evolve end‑to‑end ground software architectures, including services, interfaces, data flows, and integration with space and mission operations segments. Advise on the integration of new and emerging technologies (cloud, containerization, orchestration, automation, observability) into mission systems. Lead full lifecycle software development, including: Requirements analysis and decomposition Architecture and design Implementation and code reviews Unit, integration, and system testing Deployment and sustainment Collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams (systems engineering, ground operations, cybersecurity, hardware, and test) to integrate new capabilities into existing systems. Implement engineering changes and system enhancements in response to evolving mission needs and customer requirements. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to a team of software engineers, guiding them through design decisions, best practices, and career growth. Develop and present technical documentation and briefings to internal leadership and customers. Drive adoption of modern software practices, tools, and automation (CI/CD, containerization, infrastructure as code) to increase team efficiency and reliability. Perform technical planning and trade studies, system integration, verification and validation, and analyses of performance, cost, risk, and supportability. Ensure the logical and systematic conversion of customer or product requirements into total system solutions that balance technical, schedule, and cost constraints.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 12+ years of relevant software experience; OR Master’s degree in STEM and 10+ years of relevant software experience; OR PhD in STEM and 8+ years of relevant software experience. Strong background in software development and software architecture for complex systems. In‑depth working knowledge and experience with modern programming languages, such as: Python C/C++ Java Familiarity with all phases of the software development life cycle and Agile software development practices. Prior lead or technical leadership experience in a team environment (e.g., tech lead, lead engineer, or architect). Experience with: Linux development environments and shell scripting (e.g., Bash) Containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Podman) Container orchestration systems (e.g., Kubernetes or similar) CI/CD and configuration management using industry‑standard tools and processes (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab, Bitbucket/Jira, Git, etc.). Active DoD Top Secret clearance at time of application, with the ability to obtain and maintain any required special program access. Ability to work onsite full‑time in McLean, VA in a secure environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Active TS/SCI and current or recent program access. Master’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field. Experience with: Model‑based systems engineering tools (e.g., Rhapsody, Cameo) Development environments such as Eclipse Atlassian and related tools (Jira, Bitbucket, Confluence, Crucible, Bamboo) Virtualization technologies (e.g., VirtualBox, QEMU, KVM, VMware) Operating in a DevOps culture with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). Prior experience leading engineering personnel on a Northrop Grumman program, including software architecture oversight and direct interaction with customers and mission operators. Proven ability to mentor and grow engineering teams, and to influence technical direction across a program or product line.

#SpaceSysEngJobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $177,000.00 - $265,600.00 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.

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.