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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Python Software Engineer Level 3 or 4 (AHT) - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Aurora, CO, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Confluence, JIRA, Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Code Review, Databases, Continuous Integration, Relational Databases, DevOps, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, Linux System Administration, Performance Tuning, Scrum Methodology, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Docker Swarm, Delivery Pipeline, Indexer, Backend, Gitlab, Containerization, Deployment Automation, Software Coding, Software Version Control, Docker - **Published:** August 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3354579441&tx=KP3535FFF&pt=1&aff=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54&utm_source=Job%20Feed&utm_medium=textkernel&utm_campaign=DE&utm_term=0B19D771-A501-4A5E-8338-2A822B784D54 ## About the Role * Level 3: Bachelor's degree in science with 5+ years of software development experience; 3+ years with a Master's; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree. * Level 4: Bachelor's degree in science with 8+ years of software development experience; 6+ years with a Master's; or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a degree. * Must have active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility at time of application. * Significant professional experience as a Software Engineer. * Experience working in Linux environments. * Strong proficiency in Python, with experience building production-grade services. * Hands on experience with Docker (Dockerfiles, image builds, local development, best practices). * Experience using GitLab (repositories, merge requests, code reviews, basic CI pipelines). * Solid understanding and experience using modern software development lifecycle, including Agile practices, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps collaboration, and automated testing. * Practical experience with Jira and Confluence in a team setting. Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with relational databases (schema design, SQL, indexing, performance tuning). * Experience with PostgreSQL (advanced querying, optimization, migrations, ORMs). * Experience with Rust and/or C++ for performance critical components. * Exposure to Docker Swarm or similar container orchestration platforms. * Experience or certification as a Scrum Master (facilitating Agile ceremonies, coaching teams). * Experience integrating Python services into CI/CD pipelines (tests, packaging, deployment automation). ## Description We support a small but mighty team that continues to innovate and set new benchmarks for our customers. We are seeking a Software Engineer with strong Python, containerization, and database experience to design, implement, and maintain our backend services and deployment workflows. In this role, you will make key technical decisions, mentor team members, and collaborate closely with product and operations in an Agile environment, using GitLab for version control and CI/CD. If this sounds like an opportunity for you, Northrop Grumman Space Systems Sector would love to have you join our team as a (level 3 or level 4) Software Engineer based out of Aurora, CO., * Design, development, and maintenance of backend services. * Architect and maintain Docker-based development and runtime environments. * Guide and support deployments using Docker Swarm and related tooling. * Define and promote engineering best practices (coding standards, testing, code review). * Participate in and often facilitate Agile ceremonies (planning, stand ups, reviews, retrospectives). * Use Jira for backlog and sprint management, and Confluence for technical documentation. * Collaborate via GitLab for source control, code reviews, and integration with CI/CD. * Partner with product owners, QA, and DevOps to deliver high quality, reliable features. * Mentor junior and mid level engineers; provide technical guidance and constructive feedback. * Communicate clearly with both technical and non technical stakeholders and influence technical direction. ## Related Videos - [The weekly developer show: Boosting Python with CUDA, CSS Updates & Navigating New Tech Stacks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1293-the-weekly-developer-show-boosting-python-with-cuda-css-updates-navigating-new-tech-stacks) - [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 Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - Modern DevOps for IoT Devices and More](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1805-wearedevelopers-live-modern-devops-for-iot-devices-and-more) - [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) - [The Evolving Landscape of Application Development: Insights from Three Years of Research](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1459-the-evolving-landscape-of-application-development-insights-from-three-years-of-research) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Best Countries for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/267-best-countries-for-software-engineers) - [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) - [The 13 Best Python Libraries for Developers in 2025](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/371-the-13-best-python-libraries-for-developers-in-2025) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard)