Northrop Grumman logo

Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy

Northrop Grumman

On-site
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Mid Level
Senior
2+ yrs
$92k–$171kPosted 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 Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy — a full-time, based in El Segundo, CA role ($92k–$171k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.

Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - Flight Autonomy

Location: United States-California-El Segundo

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - Flight Autonomy to join our dynamic team. This position will support our Aeronautics Systems sector on site in El Segundo, CA.

Essential Functions:

  • Participation in architecture definition and complex system problem solving in support of Research and Advanced Design programs

  • Design, develop, and document flight and mission critical software for deployment onto embedded and real-time systems

  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, test, and delivery of software products

  • Work in Agile Scrum teams to develop software products for multiple software baselines

  • Work with the Vehicle Management Systems and Mission Autonomy teams to develop and execute component, subsystem, and system level test procedures to verify functionality of the VMS and MA hardware and software

This position may be filled as either a level 2 Software Engineer or level 3 Principal Software Engineer.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 2 years of experience in software engineering OR a Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 0 years of experience in software engineering OR a PhD degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 0-years of experience.

  • Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5 years of experience in software engineering OR a Master’s degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 3 years of experience in software engineering OR a PhD degree in a (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 1 year of experience.

  • Experience developing software with C/C++, Python, Lua, Rust

  • Experience with real-time OS

  • Experience with Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD)

  • Familiarity with software development tools such as Git, CMake, Jenkins, Visual Studio, etc.

  • Your ability to obtain and/or transfer and maintain the final U.S. adjudicated government Secret clearance and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with System on Modules (SoMs) and Single Board Computers (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.)

  • Knowledge of embedded systems, Linux with basic command use

  • Experience implementing ICDs and writing device drivers

  • Experience with developing software used for one of the following real-time applications: flight critical software, Safety critical software, medical software, or mission critical software

  • Preference to work in software/hardware integration and rapid prototyping

#blue

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

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

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 Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman?

The estimated salary range for Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman is $92,000 - $171,000 USD per year.

What skills are required for Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman?

The required skills for Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman include: C++, Python, Rust, Git, Jenkins, Agile, Scrum.

What is the seniority level for Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman?

Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman is a Mid Level / Senior level position.

How do I apply for Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman?

You can view the full description and apply for Software Engineer, Flight Autonomy at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-software-engineer-principal-software-engineer-flight-autonomy-471ae.