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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Sr Principal Engineer Embedded Software - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Sterling, VA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $142,200.0 - $213,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Microsoft Windows, Agile Methodology, JIRA, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Computer Engineering, Continuous Integration, Software Debugging, Linux, Embedded Software, Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation, Python (Programming Language), Automation of Marketing, Proprietary Software, Real-Time Operating Systems, Backtesting, Shell Script, Simulation Software, Software Engineering, Subversion, Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, DevOps Tools - Open-source, Git, Bitbucket, Software Version Control, Jenkins - **Published:** July 10, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9023338/sr-principal-engineer-embedded-software ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related discipline with a minimum of of embedded software experience - OR - Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 6 years of embedded software experience - OR PhD degree Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 4 years of embedded software experience. * Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information. US Citizenship required . * Diverse programming experience: C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting * Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams * Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous integration * Experience with software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git * Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management * Active/Current TS * System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization * Understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools * Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience * Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices * Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management * Experience working closely with and/or leading cross departmental teams * Experience with closed loop simulations * Advanced proficiency in software development using C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting * Experience developing software in a Linux OS environment * Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards and National Instruments proprietary software * Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces ## Description is seeking an Sr Principal Embedded Software Engineer to join our team in . This role will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization developing space vehicle hardware-in-the-loop simulation platforms for large and small space programs. These high-fidelity test platforms provide a hardware/software facsimile of space vehicle component interfaces to flight processors for flight software and mission development and qualification. The candidate will be part of a small design team supporting a NASA space science mission. This position will sit in Dulles, VA and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS clearance. This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off., * Establish simulation requirements for hardware in the loop platforms. * Select off-the-shelf or design interface hardware to simulate space vehicle components (actuators, sensors, and payloads). * Develop simulation software models and software interfaces to simulation hardware cards, including digital, analog, serial, and SpaceWire. * Define simulation testbed harnessing based on the space vehicle flight harness and simulation requirements. * Interface with hardware engineers in the design, build, and test of the simulation platforms. * Implement software control of simulation platform test equipment. * Develop and execute simulation certification loop back testing. * Work with program engineers to integrate components and flight software with the simulation platform. * Use common lab equipment (oscilloscopes, break out boxes, multimeters, interface analyzers) for debug and problem resolution. * Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers. * Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels. * Other duties as assigned If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team! This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company. ## Related Videos - [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) - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) ## Related Articles - [7 Important Tips That Every Software Developer Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/101-7-important-tips-that-every-software-developer-should-know) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [Where to Find Entry-Level Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/397-where-to-find-entry-level-software-engineering-jobs) - [What is Software Engineering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/289-what-is-software-engineering) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers)