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Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

On-site
Colorado Springs, CO
Full-time
Principal
Staff
5+ yrs
$104k–$194kPosted 2w ago

Real job — pulled straight from Northrop Grumman’s careers page · Verified July 31, 2026 · No reposts.

Job description

Northrop Grumman is hiring a Principal Software Engineer — a full-time, based in Colorado Springs, CO role ($104k–$194k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.

Principal Software Engineer / Sr. Principal Software Engineer (TS/SCI required)

Location: United States-Colorado-Colorado Springs

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

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.

Northrop Grumman Space Sector is seeking multiple Software Engineers to support Eastern Software and Controls in their development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software.

This position is located onsite on our Colorado Springs, CO campus. After hours or extended work week may be required.

What You’ll Have an Opportunity to Do:

  • Full stack development at the OS, platform, and mission unique software layer

  • Developing client and server applications and services using service-oriented architectures, message bus-based data exchange that include first-of-a-kind capabilities.

  • Applications will span languages and toolsets including C++, Python, Postgres, Ansible, cloud infrastructure provisioning, PKI, and static code analysis execution and finding remediation.

  • Developer will be expected to be a self-starter capable of making decisions with overall project budget and schedule in mind.

  • Develop software which provides command and control functionality of a hardware system (sending commands, receiving acknowledgements, working on and integrating across interfaces)

  • Develop software which enables activity planning and constraint checking to achieve mission outcomes.

  • Develop software which enables the visualization of a complex and dynamic environment in both two and 3 dimensions, complete with decisions tools, intelligent context, and user-centric interface design.

This position may be filled at the Principal Software Engineer (level 3) or Sr. Principal Software Engineer (level 4).

Basic Qualifications

Principal Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with 5 years of development experience (3 years with a Master’s Degree, 1 years with a PhD) with Python and C++. Experience can be considered in lieu of degree

  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI at time of application. Ability to obtain SAP

  • 2 Years Experience with Agile programs including Agile DevOps

  • 2 Years Experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products

  • 2 Years Experience in producing software architecture documentation

  • Experience with Python, C++ and Docker/Kubernetes

  • US Citizenship

 Sr. Principal Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with 8 years of development experience (6 years with a Master’s Degree, 4 years with a PhD) with Python and C++. Experience can be considered in lieu of degree

  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI at time of application. Ability to obtain SAP

  • 4 years with Agile programs including Agile DevOps

  • 4 years of experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products

  • 4 years of experience in producing software architecture documentation

  • 5 years of experience with Python, C++ and Docker/Kubernetes

  • Prior experience with modeling and simulation in support of wargaming, user training, TTP generation and/or CONOPS exploration

  • US Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience developing satellite ground software with any of the following applications for spacecraft missions is highly preferred: Command and Control, Mission Planning, Visualization, and/or Astrodynamics

  • Experience with the creation and use of spacecraft command and control system utilizing cryptographic equipment and a combination of government and/or commercial communications paths.

  • Experience with the creation and use of planning software and constraint checking applications utilized in complex and dynamic space mission planning

  • Experience with the creation and implementation of visualization tools for space missions, including dynamic renderings of space vehicles, depiction of space vehicle missions, simulation of space vehicle sensor and mission outputs, and configuration displays of complex contextual and situational awareness information

  • Linux, Ansible, Docker, Graphics and Animation, UI/UX experience

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $193,900.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $0.00 - $0.00

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the salary for Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

The estimated salary range for Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman is $104,000 - $194,000 USD per year.

What skills are required for Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

The required skills for Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman include: C++, Python, PostgreSQL, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, Agile, DevOps.

What is the seniority level for Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman is a Principal / Staff level position.

How do I apply for Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman?

You can view the full description and apply for Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-principal-software-engineer-sr-principal-software-engineer-ts-sci-required-ls68z.