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# Software System Engineer (Level 1 or 2) - AHT

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Manhattan Beach, CA, United States
- **Salary:** $76,200.0 - $114,400.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Testing (Software), Microsoft Excel, Agile Methodology, Data Analysis, Systems Engineering, Unix, C++ (Programming Language), Custom Software, Software Debugging, Linux, Embedded Software, Network Interface Controllers, Unix Shell, Powerpc, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Solaris (Operating System), System Software, VxWorks, Scripting, Software Troubleshooting, SC Clearance
- **Published:** August 24, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9113258/software-system-engineer-level-1-or-2-aht

## About the Role

Basic Qualifications - Associate Software Engineer (Level 1):

 * Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 0 years of experience
 * Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required at the time of application.
 * Experience with Unix/Linux-based systems and MS Excel.
 * Experience with C++ and debugging C++ using a debugger., * Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 2+ years of relevant relevant software engineering experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline.
 * Active U.S. Government Secret clearance required at the time of application.
 * Experience with Unix/Linux-based systems and MS Excel.
 * Experience with C++ and debugging C++ using a debugger., * Experience with Agile development.
 * Experience with MilSatCom.
 * Software testing experience.

## Description

The Software Systems Engineer will support maintenance of a large (~500 KSLOC) C++ embedded system performing on-board payload functions. The software is hosted on PowerPC processors and consists of Resource Control Software (RCS), Security Equipment Computer (SEC), Phased Array Controller (PAC), and Gimbal Control Unit (GCU), all running on VxWorks. The candidate will work as a Software System Engineer on the Software System Engineering team to support on-orbit activities and anomaly resolution, in addition to annual software deliveries. The candidate must be able to interpret requirements, generate test scenarios to recreate on-orbit issues, and evaluate software problems. Activities will focus on on-orbit data analysis and recreation of on-orbit issues with new test cases in multiple test environments (test set, UNIX, and Wind River Simics). Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills are preferred.

Job responsibilities of the Software System Engineer (Level 1 or 2) include, but are not limited to, the following:

 * Review and understand the Payload-to-Terminal, Payload-to-Payload (Crosslink) message protocols, and other Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
 * Review and understand the relevant application requirements.
 * Review and understand the underlying software design.
 * Design, implement, and execute test scenarios using a custom software integration framework.
 * Analyze on-orbit and test results (output messages, telemetry measurands, directives, etc.). * Write and present on-orbit findings.
 * Generate and execute UNIX shell scripts and Python scripts.
 * Run and debug test scenarios in a SIMICS simulation environment, including basic model updates.
 * Use VxWorks debugging tools to diagnose and resolve embedded software issues.
 * Troubleshoot and debug test set software and operating system upgrades (Solaris, Linux).
 * Must be able and willing to work onsite fulltime


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