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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** National City, CA, United States - **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** C (Programming Language), Computer-Aided Design, Agile Methodology, JIRA, Automation of Tests, Unit Testing, C++ (Programming Language), Software Debugging, Linux on Embedded Systems, Ethernet, Python (Programming Language), MATLAB, Scrum Methodology, Software Architecture, Systems Development Life Cycle, Real-Time Operating Systems, Fortify (Software), RS-232, Simulink, Software Engineering, VxWorks, Multithreading, Real Time Systems, Gitlab, Devsecops, Programming Languages - **Published:** September 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://find.jobs/jobs-near-me/apply/ats-redirect/?id=2983816211-2 ## About the Role * Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year 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 developing software for Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) * Experience with developing multi-threaded SW used for one of the following real-time applications: flight critical SW, Safety critical SW, medical SW, or mission critical SW * Experience with one of the following tools: Jira, GitLab, Fortify, or Coverity * Experience with Agile SW development, embedded system programming, SW integration and testing * Active US Secret Clearance issued by the U.S. Government Preferred Qualifications: * Familiarity with at least two of the data interfaces: 1553, RS-232, RS-422, ARINC-429, Serial, Discrete, or Ethernet/IP * Familiarity with a Unit Test framework such as Google Unit Test * Familiarity with Matlab, Simulink, or similar platforms * Recent experience and proficiency in software architecture, design, implementation, integration, and debugging C++ SW running on Real-Time Operating systems such as: VxWorks, Integrity, RTX 64, AND/OR Real Time Embedded Linux. * Able to read assembly and use CPU documentation to understand behaviors * 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 * Familiarity with OS partitions and isolation architectures * High level understanding of architectural requirements for airworthiness certifications ## Description In this role you will design, develop, integrate and test software (SW) for our end-user customers and businesses. You will be responsible for the design, architecture, development, and administration of embedded and real time systems. You will work with multi-disciplinary teams, such as Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps and Systems Test, in an Agile SW development environment. You will analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls., * Work in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels * Participate in the full SW development life cycle including requirements, design, implementation, qualification, and delivery of SW products to our customers * Operate in an embedded technology development environment working with real-time operating systems for use in flight and mission critical systems * Work in Agile Scrum teams to develop SW products for multiple SW baselines ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Leveraging Large Language Models for Legacy Code Translation: Challenges and Solutions](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1157-leveraging-large-language-models-for-legacy-code-translation-challenges-and-solutions) - [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) - [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch) - [Security Pitfalls for Software Engineers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/726-security-pitfalls-for-software-engineers) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) ## Related Articles - [Is Software Engineering Hard?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/448-is-software-engineering-hard) - [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) - [Software Engineer Career: Things You Should Know](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/143-software-engineer-career-things-you-should-know) - [The Ultimate Software Engineer Career Path Guide for 2023](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/146-the-ultimate-software-engineer-career-path-guide-for-2023)