> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1218986-sr-principal-software-engineer-feature-lead](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1218986-sr-principal-software-engineer-feature-lead). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr. Principal Software Engineer (Feature Lead) - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $142,200.0 - $213,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Amazon Web Services, Amazon S3, Systems Engineering, Build Automation, Business Software, C++ (Programming Language), Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Amazon DynamoDB, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), MongoDB, Software Architecture, Rapid Prototyping Process, Zero Trust Network Access, Software Construction, Software Engineering, ReactJS, Flask (Web Framework), AWS Lambda, Backend, Fastapi, SC Clearance, AngularJS, Functional Programming, Api Gateway, Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS), Docker - **Published:** July 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9021191/sr-principal-software-engineer-feature-lead ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of relevant software engineering experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of stated experience or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 4+ years of stated experience. * Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required at the time of application. * Demonstrated ability to create modular, reusable software architectures that reduce code footprint while improving maintainability and scalability. * Extensive hands-on experience with CI/CD pipelines for automated system builds, testing, and deployment. * Strong understanding of mission-planning workflows, with a proven track record of integrating operational constraints and real-world mission requirements. * Direct experience supporting or developing tools for LEO satellite constellations or ground systems., * Expertise in developing and refactoring mission-critical ground software, including backend systems (Python, C, C++) and operator-facing front-end tools (React JS or similar). * Proven leadership in managing tasks and mentoring team members across dynamic program schedules with tight deadlines. * Experience building software for proliferated constellations and their associated ground systems, covering mission planning, data telemetry, and command-and-control workflows. * Proficiency with Python, FastAPI, MongoDB, Flask, Docker, AWS Lambda, DynamoDB, Angular, SQS, EFS, and S3. * Comprehensive understanding of zero-trust security architectures and secure-by-design principles for mission-critical software. * Strong background in multi-tenant, plug-and-play ground-system concepts, including cloud-native implementations using AWS services (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, etc.). * Familiarity with compatibility testing and hardware-in-the-loop environments to ensure operational readiness and reliability under realistic mission conditions. * Knowledge or certification in Agile development methodologies, with experience in iterative design and rapid prototyping to respond dynamically to evolving mission architectures. ## Description * Design, develop, document, integrate, test, and debug software solutions for end-user customers and internal business applications. * Debug, troubleshoot, and integrate components within large-scale distributed systems. * Lead the architecture, development, and lifecycle management of ground-systems software. * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams-including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test-within an Agile development environment. * Analyze system capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, data acquisition, programming methods, and control strategies. * Create modular, reusable software architectures that reduce code footprint while improving maintainability and scalability. * Utilize CI/CD pipelines for automated builds, testing, and deployment. * Work with mission-planning workflows to incorporate operational constraints and real-world mission requirements. * Support and develop tools for LEO satellite constellations or ground systems. * Apply strong problem-solving skills to quickly grasp complex concepts. * Prepare charts, present data, and make recommendations to internal teams, program leadership, and external customers using excellent written and verbal communication skills. ## Related Videos - [Watch Tests Go Brrrr! 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