> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1800953-software-engineer-principal-software-engineer-flight-autonomy](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1800953-software-engineer-principal-software-engineer-flight-autonomy). 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). --- # Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer - Flight Autonomy - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** El Segundo, CA, United States - **Salary:** $91,800.0 - $137,600.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Arduino, C++ (Programming Language), CMake, Desktop Computing, Linux, Device Drivers, Hardware Design, Medical Software, Python (Programming Language), Lua (Scripting Language), Microsoft Visual Studio, Object-Oriented Software Development, Scrum Methodology, Software Architecture, Rapid Prototyping Process, Raspberry Pi, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Tools, Software Engineering, Subsystems, Rust (Programming Language), Real Time Systems, Git, System-level Testing, SC Clearance, Jenkins - **Published:** July 1, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9007527/software-engineerprincipal-software-engineer-flight-autonomy ## About the Role * 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 ## Description * 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. ## Related Videos - [Code to Road in < 12 hours](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1082-code-to-road-in-12-hours) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Docker exec without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1094-docker-exec-without-docker) - [Software defines the vehicle: Why customers and developers will love cars even more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1114-software-defines-the-vehicle-why-customers-and-developers-will-love-cars-even-more) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) ## Related Articles - [How software is steering vehicle technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/515-how-software-is-steering-vehicle-technology) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [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) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)