> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2185513-sr-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2185513-sr-principal-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). --- # Sr Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Palmdale, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $116,300.0 - $213,400.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), 3d Models, Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, JIRA, Build Automation, C++ (Programming Language), Static Program Analysis, Software Debugging, Linux on Embedded Systems, Middleware, Ethernet, Python (Programming Language), Software Architecture, Systems Development Life Cycle, Real-Time Operating Systems, Fortify (Software), SAP (Applications), Software Engineering, Verification and Validation (Software), SonarQube, Data Streaming, Subversion, VxWorks, Multithreading, Gitlab, Bitbucket, Atlassian Bamboo, Jenkins, Programming Languages - **Published:** August 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9098966/sr-principal-software-engineer ## About the Role * Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience. * Experience with the full SW Development Life Cycle (SDLC) * Experience with the following programming and scripting languages: C/C++, and Python * Experience with two of the following tools: Jira, Crucible, Bitbucket, Gitlab, Subversion, Bamboo, Jenkins, Sonarqube, Fortify, or Coverity * Experience with Agile SW development, embedded system programming, SW integration and testing * Familiarity with at least one of the wire data interfaces: 1553, 1394, Serial, CAN, Ethernet/IP, or Fibre Channel, etc. * Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management * Ability to collaborate with systems engineers, hardware designers and integration/test engineers to develop and maintain complex SW systems * Active in-Scope, U.S. Government Top Secret clearance. * Ability to obtain and maintain initial Special Program Access (SAP/PAR). This SAP/PAR must be obtained prior to commencement of employment and must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs. (Of note: SAP/PAR will be upgraded once selected candidate is in role. Therefore, candidate must also be able to obtain and maintain upgraded SAP/PAR.) Preferred Qualifications: * Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. * Active U.S. Government Top Secret SCI clearance (with a background investigation within the past 5 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). * Experience and proficiency in software architecture, design, implementation, integration, and debugging C++ SW running on Real-Time Operating systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux. * Experience with developing multi-threaded SW * Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership, teamwork capabilities, excellent oral and written communications skills, and strong interpersonal communication skills. * Demonstrated professional experience developing software Java * Can identify moderate execution defects by only reading code * Understanding of how their embedded SW component will fit into a larger SW system / architecture * Able to document, capture, and present software architectural components in modeling or diagramming tools * Experience with Static & Dynamic Code Analysis ## Description * Provide technical leadership for the development, implementation, and maintenance of modular simulation and modeling software (e.g., C++, Python), guiding the team in architecture, standards, and best practices. * Lead the integration of simulation components with system interfaces, middleware, and test harnesses; establish integration strategies and ensure interoperable data flows and real-time performance across the team. * Define and oversee verification and validation strategies, review test plans and results, and direct the resolution of defects to ensure model fidelity, accuracy, and traceability to requirements. * Drive performance and scalability optimization efforts; set priorities for profiling and tuning, reduce latency, and champion CI/CD pipelines for automated builds, testing, and deployments. * Coordinate with systems engineers, testers, and stakeholders to translate requirements into simulation capabilities and scenarios; review and approve technical documentation; and lead technical presentations and demonstrations. The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is no remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required. ## Related Videos - [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) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Modern DevOps for IoT Devices and More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1805-wearedevelopers-live-modern-devops-for-iot-devices-and-more) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Are Code Reviews Worth It? Insights from 16 Years of Review Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1135-are-code-reviews-worth-it-insights-from-16-years-of-review-data) - [Building a Multi-Agent Orchestration Engine That Actually Follows the Rules](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100159-building-a-multi-agent-orchestration-engine-that-actually-follows-the-rules) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## 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) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers) - [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) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)