Staff Test Software Engineer

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 169,000 - 253,600; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Linthicum, MD seeks a Staff Test Software Engineer to design, develop, integrate, and test software for test equipment and space payload units, ensuring compliance with requirements.

The role involves a cross-functional Agile Scrum team, Python, C++, Tcl/Tk, Jenkins, and Robot Framework, with on-site work and a TS/SCI clearance pathway beginning from no clearance at start.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or STEM.
• 12+ years of software development experience on embedded real-time systems (10+ years with a Master’s degree or 8 years with a PhD).
• Experience developing software in Python.
• Experience testing real-time embedded systems.
• Ability to debug own code and trace/understand existing code.
• Experience integrating developed software applications and using tools/logs to verify correct operation.
• Experience developing in Linux and/or Windows environments.
• Debugging experience with VS Code, breakpoints, state inspection, and execution control.
• Experience with software configuration management tools.
• U.S. Citizenship required; DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software using Python, Tcl/Tk, and C++.
• Utilize Jenkins and Robot Framework for automated testing and verification.
• Execute all phases of the software development cycle, including design, development, integration, and test.
• Conduct peer reviews of software products, designs, and technical documents.
• Participate in a cross-functional Agile Scrum team, collaborating with engineers and system specialists.
• Prioritize and recommend tasks to Technical Leads, ensuring timely completion.

Skills

Python

C++

Tcl/Tk

Embedded real-time systems

Linux/Windows development

Debugging

Agile Scrum

Software testing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or STEM

Tools

Jenkins

Robot Framework

VS Code

Jira

Confluence

Bitbucket

Job description

Job Overview

Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems invites a Staff Test Software Engineer to join our team in Linthicum, MD. The role focuses on designing, developing, integrating, and testing software that manages test equipment and executes tests for Space payload units, ensuring compliance with established requirements.

• Relocation assistance may be available
• Clearance required at start: None (but Top Secret/SCI clearance necessary for all positions)
• Travel: Yes, approximately 10% of the time
• Work schedule: 9/80, every other Friday off, 100% onsite (no telecommute)

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, integrate, and test software using Python, Tcl/Tk, and C++.
• Utilize automated tools such as Jenkins and Robot Framework for automated testing and verification.
• Execute all phases of the software development cycle, including design, development, integration, and test.
• Conduct peer reviews of software products, designs, and technical documents.
• Participate in a cross‑functional Agile Scrum team, collaborating with engineers and system specialists.
• Prioritize and recommend tasks to Technical Leads, ensuring timely completion.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or another STEM discipline.
• Minimum of 12+ years of software development experience on embedded real‑time systems (10+ years with a Master’s Degree or 8 years with a Ph.D.).
• Experience developing software in Python.
• Experience testing real‑time embedded systems.
• Ability to debug own code and trace/understand existing code.
• Experience integrating developed software applications and using tools/logs to verify correct operation.
• Experience developing in Linux and/or Windows environments.
• Debugging experience with tools such as VS Code, utilizing breakpoints, state inspection, and execution control.
• Experience with software configuration management tools.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• No clearance at start, but must obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agile Scrum team experience.
• Experience with C++ and Tcl/Tk.
• Hands‑on experience controlling test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, analyzers, power supplies, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience integrating RF, digital, or optical systems/equipment.
• Automation tools experience (Jenkins, Robot Framework).
• Embedded Python software optimization skills.
• Familiarity writing unit tests.
• Experience using the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket).
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Benefits & Salary

Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 – $253,600.00. Base salary offers consider scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and long‑term incentives for senior roles. Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation and personal business.

EEO Statement

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment 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, visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.