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# Principal Software Engineer/Sr. Principal Software Engineer

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Azusa, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Testing (Software), Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, C++ (Programming Language), Linux, FreeRTOS, Python (Programming Language), Object-Oriented Software Development, Real-Time Operating Systems, Shell Script, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Systems Integration, VxWorks, Real Time Systems, Software Troubleshooting, Git, Atlassian Tools, Bitbucket, Docker, Jenkins
- **Published:** October 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9240753/principal-software-engineersr-principal-software-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of software or relevant engineering experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ years of stated experience; Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 1+ years of stated experience

 * Candidate must have an active SCI at time of application OR an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance (or equivalent) at time of application and prior to start date as well as the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain an active SCI prior to start date. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to the candidate's maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

 * Strong background in C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming

 * Strong background in integrating and troubleshooting software in a lab environment

 * Proficiency with Python

 * Prior experience executing in an RTOS environment (i.e., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RT-Linux, GH Integrity)

 * Experience working in Agile software development using the Atlassian Tool Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control

Basic Qualifications - Sr. Principal Flight Software Engineer (Level 4):

 * Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of software or relevant engineering experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of stated experience; Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 4+ years of stated experience

 * Candidate must have an active SCI at time of application OR an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance (or equivalent) at time of application and prior to start date as well as the ability and willingness to obtain and maintain an active SCI prior to start date. Continued employment thereafter will be subject to the candidate's maintenance of the level of clearance and program access required for the position in the future.

 * Strong background in C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming

 * Strong background in integrating and troubleshooting software in a lab environment

 * Proficiency with Python

 * Prior experience executing in an RTOS environment (i.e., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RT-Linux, GH Integrity)

 * Experience working in Agile software development using the Atlassian Tool Suite (Bitbucket, Jira, Confluence) and Git version control

Preferred Qualifications:

 * Experience with software development in Docker containerized environment
 * Experience with Shell scripting
 * Experience with CCSDS Space Packet Protocol
 * Experience with software development leveraging CI/CD pipeline tools such as Jenkins
 * Experience developing or interfacing with Optical, RF, or IR payloads

## Description

* Design, develop, integrate, and verify/test software solutions for embedded/real-time systems and ground systems.
 * Understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and implement and debug software to meet defined completion criteria.
 * Analyze system capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, data acquisition, programming methods, and control strategies.

 * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams-including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test-in an Agile development environment.

The Software Engineer will work in a rapid, fast-paced program environment and must be a self-starter who can operate effectively in a team setting. Existing engineering and systems specialists will be available to assist with activities associated with executing primary tasking; however, the selected individual will be expected to prioritize work and make recommendations to Technical Leads, as required, to implement assigned tasking.