> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/4251381-ground-software-lead-engineer-architect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/4251381-ground-software-lead-engineer-architect). 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).

---

# Ground Software Lead Engineer/Architect

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $166,500.0 - $289,200.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Systems Engineering, JIRA, Code Reuse, Decision Support Systems, Software Architecture, Software Engineering, Product Software Implementation Methods, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Systems Integration
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3472096302&tx=TT4239TTT&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

* Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 12+ years of software engineering experience; Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 10+ years of stated experience; Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of stated experience.
 * Active U.S. Government Top Secret clearance at time of application, with the ability and willingness to obtain Special Program Access.
 * Demonstrated front-end planning experience: developing capability roadmaps, decomposing capabilities into features, and defining measurable feature success criteria.
 * Experience with software architecture and design for complex, mission-critical systems.
 * Experience working within Agile software development lifecycles, including backlog refinement and iterative delivery.
 * Experience integrating and/or leveraging third-party software frameworks.
 * Proficiency with Jira for software implementation planning, tracking, and metrics reporting.
 * Experience with CAMEO (or similar model-based systems engineering tools)., * Experience with software cost estimation and supporting proposal activities.
 * Experience as a Product Owner or similar role managing software backlogs, priorities, and stakeholder expectations.
 * Control Account Manager (CAM) experience, including cost/schedule management, variance analysis, and reporting.

## Description

* Lead software reuse strategies and product trade studies to maximize efficiency, commonality, and maintainability.
 * Allocate system requirements into software capabilities and features; develop and maintain the software buildup plan and capability roadmap (including inputs needed for BPE).
 * Review element- and component-level features to ensure alignment with higher-level capabilities; define, track, and report clear feature success criteria.
 * Contribute to the development and refinement of the software framework concept, ensuring scalability and adaptability across programs.
 * Support Basis of Proposal Estimates (BPE), including development and refinement of ground software cost estimates.
 * Own software metrics reporting and management; configure and maintain dashboards and reports in Jira to support execution, visibility, and data-driven decision making.