Northrop Grumman logo

Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

On-site
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Principal
Senior
5+ yrs
$114k–$213kPosted 1mo ago

Real job — pulled straight from Northrop Grumman’s careers page · Verified July 15, 2026 · No reposts.

Job description

Northrop Grumman is hiring a Principal Embedded Software Engineer — a full-time, based in San Diego, CA role ($114k–$213k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.

Principal/Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer

Location: United States-California-San Diego

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: 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

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our organization is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. 

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal/Sr. Principal Embedded Engineer Software based out of San Diego, CA. 

What You'll Get to Do:

In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software for our end-user customers and businesses, primarily focused on cryptographic software code bases. Specifically, you will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded and real time systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as with Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test, in an Agile software development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls. 

This position is contingent upon the ability to obtain a Clearance, program award, and customer approval
 

Principal Engineer Embedded Software Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or another STEM discipline with 5 years of related experience, or Master's degree with 3 years or a PhD with 1 year of experience

  • Proficient in C/C++

  • Proficient in Object Oriented programming

  • Proficient in all areas of the formal software lifecycle process from requirements to testing

  • Experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications

  • Experience with developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.

  • Familiarity with Static Analysis and Unit Testing

  • Experience using Jira/Bitbucket/Git and the Agile software development process

  • Must be able to obtain a U.S Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level security clearance

  • Ability to work full-time onsite at our Rancho Carmel location.

Sr. Principal Engineer Embedded Software Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or another STEM discipline with 8 years of related experience, or Master's degree with 6 years or a PhD with 4 years of experience.

  • Proficient in C/C++

  • Proficient in Object Oriented programming

  • Proficient in all areas of the formal software lifecycle process from requirements to testing

  • Experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications

  • Experience with developing and debugging embedded real-time systems.

  • Familiarity with Static Analysis and Unit Testing

  • Experience using Jira/Bitbucket/Git and the Agile software development process

  • Must be able to obtain a U.S Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level security clearance

  • Ability to work full-time onsite at our Rancho Carmel location.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in testing and troubleshooting Link16 waveform in an embedded software environment

  • Hands-on experience with lab equipment such as Tactical Datalink radios/terminals

  • Familiarity with the Link 16/TACAN Waveform ICD

  • Experience with Software Defined Radios

  • Experience with the Avionics Operating System

  • Experience with Xilinx platforms (Zynq, Ultrascale+, and VERSAL)

  • Experience with Yocto/Petalinux

  • Experience with Communication Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, Ethernet)

  • Experience with TCP/IP and common network configurations

  • Experience implementing cryptographic mechanisms using dedicated software libraries

  • Experience with Rust

  • Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado)

  • Familiarity with HAIPE, OTNK, and/or IKE

  • Familiarity with latest NSA Security Standards

  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications

  • Familiarity with assembly language

  • Familiarity with bare metal embedded device drivers

  • Familiarity with PowerPC architectures and peripherals

  • Familiarity with VHDL/Verilog/FPGA

  • Familiarity with IBM tools (Rhapsody, DOORS, Clearcase)

  • Familiarity with Green Hills AdaMulti

  • Current active Secret or Top Secret Clearance

  • Current active SAP clearance

  • Currently engaged in Networked Information Solutions program portfolio(s)

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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.

Get Embedded Engineer jobs like this

New roles from thousands of companies land hourly, straight from their careers pages. Get the freshest matches by email so you never miss one.

Email me new jobs
Pixar Animation Studios logo

Director, Core Engineering

$243k–$315kEmeryville, CA
✓ From careers page· 28m ago
Allen Control Systems logo

Flight Dynamics Controls Engineer

$130k–$220kSan Francisco, CA
✓ From careers page· 58m ago
MKS2 Technologies logo

Senior Integration Engineer

$100k–$100kRemote · US-eligible
✓ From careers page· 58m ago
MKS2 Technologies logo

Platform Specialist (Remote)

$100k–$100kRemote · US-eligible
✓ From careers page· 58m ago

Frequently asked questions

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

The estimated salary range for Principal Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman is $114,000 - $213,000 USD per year.

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

The required skills for Principal Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman include: C++, C, Agile, JIRA, Bitbucket, Git, Embedded Systems, Linux, TCP/IP, Ethernet, I2C, SPI, PCIe, Rust, Assembly, FPGA, VHDL, Verilog.

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

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

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

You can view the full description and apply for Principal Embedded Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-principal-sr-principal-embedded-software-engineer-dtn7x.