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Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

On-site
Melbourne, FL
Full-time
Principal
5+ yrs
$79k–$148kPosted 2d ago

Real job — pulled straight from Northrop Grumman’s careers page · Verified August 11, 2026 · No reposts.

Job description

Northrop Grumman is hiring a Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer — a full-time, based in Melbourne, FL role ($79k–$148k). Apply directly on Northrop Grumman's careers page below.

Virtual Simulation Software Engineer/ Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer

Location: United States-Florida-Melbourne

Time Type: Full time

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.

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

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Virtual Simulation Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role is located in Melbourne, FL.

The Virtual Simulation Team’s mission is to provide our warfighter customer with a realistic aircraft simulation and tactical environment to assess operational suitability and develop preliminary concepts of employment. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and modifying software for use in pilot-in-the-loop simulation of combat weapons systems employment.

The simulation software is primarily written in C++ along with some applications in other high level programming languages (Java, Python, etc.). The Virtual Simulation lab supports a relatively small, close-knit team of 14 software developers, 4 lab engineers, and 10-12 other regular users. This highly dynamic work environment requires software engineers with a diverse set of complementing skills, commitment to the small team dynamic, and a strong desire to learn new skills.

Essential Functions:

  • Design and implement real-time, pilot-in-the-loop simulation software that enables requirements validation and mission-level evaluation of next-gen tactical aircraft
  • Create or adapt simulation frameworks and modules (e.g., airframe, kinematics, sensors, weapons, C2, threat models)
  • Partner with domain SMEs to translate aircraft/weapon physics into high-fidelity, real-time models and integrate them into the overall simulation
  • Model operational environments and perform trade studies via computer simulation resulting in recommendations for system architectures and configurations
  • Support the design and development of visualization models and databases for integration with a high-fidelity simulation environment

We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-directed professionals who thrive in collaborative environments.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Software Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) discipline and 2 years of experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline.
  • Principal Software Engineer: Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of experience OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of experience OR a PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of experience
  • Must have experience in computer/engineering software development using C++ (preferred), C#, Java or other object-oriented computer languages.
  • Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with real-time simulation/software development
  • Experience with hardware/software integration, especially integration of aircraft hardware into a lab/simulation environment
  • Ability to translate physics/mathematics models into real-time simulation algorithms
  • An understanding of tactical aircraft aero-performance, sensors, weapons, and/or communication systems
  • An understanding of Integrated Air Defense Systems and capabilities
  • An understanding of operational Command and Control systems and software
  • Experience working with a team in a rapid prototyping environment
  • Experience performing weapon system level design, integration, and/or test & evaluation

.

#BLUE

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00

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.

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Frequently asked questions

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

The estimated salary range for Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman is $79,000 - $148,000 USD per year.

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

The required skills for Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman include: C++, Java, Python.

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

Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman is a Principal level position.

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

You can view the full description and apply for Principal Virtual Simulation Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman on EchoJobs: https://echojobs.io/job/northrop-grumman-virtual-simulation-software-engineer-principal-virtual-simulation-software-engineer-ptz8j.