> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1300485-test-design-software-engineer-principal-test-design-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1300485-test-design-software-engineer-principal-test-design-software-engineer). 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). --- # Test Design Software Engineer / Principal Test Design Software Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Las Cruces, NM, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $79,300.0 - $118,900.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Device Drivers, Firmware, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Python (Programming Language), Labwindows/Cvi, C-Based Programming Languages, Systems Development Life Cycle, Real-Time Operating Systems, Rslogix, SAP (Applications), Break Fix, SC Clearance, Win CC - **Published:** July 16, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/58864173-test-design-software-engineer-principal-test-design-software-engineer ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree with 2 years of experience, master's degree with 0 years of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree * U.S Citizenship is required. * Ability to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance * Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP). * Experience with SDLC * Experience working in an Agile Environment * Experience with software languages C, C#, C++, Python * Experience with SW integration * Effective verbal and written communication Basic Qualifications for Principal Test Design Software Engineer: * Bachelor's degree with 5 years of experience, master's degree with 3 years of experience or Ph.D. with 1 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. * U.S Citizenship is required. * Ability to obtain/maintain an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance * Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP). * Experience with SDLC * Experience working in an Agile Environment * Experience with software languages C, C#, C++, Python * Experience with SW integration * Effective verbal and written communication, * Advanced degree in Engineering or related STEM discipline * Experience with hands-on troubleshooting * Experience with PLC/HMI Software (e.g., RS View, RS Logix 5000). * Experience with Hardware Driver Development * Experience with FPGA programming * Firmware design experience a plus * Experience with RTOS * Experience with LabWindows CVI, or AMAX a huge plus * Technical Lead experience * Active Secret clearance ## Related Videos - [Playing Pong on a shoulder press machine](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100140-playing-pong-on-a-shoulder-press-machine) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Design as an algorithm, not as a feature](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/471-design-as-an-algorithm-not-as-a-feature) - [Agent Smith Gets Hardware: Autonomous IoT Hacking From Debug Port to Cloud API](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100258-agent-smith-gets-hardware-autonomous-iot-hacking-from-debug-port-to-cloud-api) - [SMART Test Automation - the experience of legacy transformation](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100215-smart-test-automation-the-experience-of-legacy-transformation) - [When Agents Meet Legacy: Never Change a Running System](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100320-when-agents-meet-legacy-never-change-a-running-system) ## Related Articles - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [What Jobs Can You Get with a Software Engineering Degree?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/398-what-jobs-can-you-get-with-a-software-engineering-degree) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [The 12 Best Jobs for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/401-the-12-best-jobs-for-software-engineers) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges)