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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Staff Ground Software Development Lead - **Company:** Northrop Grumman - **Location:** Dulles, VA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $177,000.0 - $265,600.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Application Lifecycle Management, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Cloud Engineering, Linux, DevOps, Distributed Systems, Scrum Methodology, Release Management, Scaled Agile Framework, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Data Processing, Containerization, Kubernetes, Atlassian Tools, Docker - **Published:** October 22, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.techcareers.com/job.asp?id=3472166398&tx=CT4038THD&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 * Active Top - Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance at time of application ( U.S. Citizenship required ). * Level 5 (Staff): * Bachelor's degree with 12 years of software development experience; - An additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a completed Bachelor's degree. * OR Master's degree with 10 years of software development experience. * OR PhD with 8 years of software development experience. * Strong, in - depth technical background in software development , including design, implementation, integration, and troubleshooting. * Experience with ground segment or ground software for space systems (e.g., mission operations, command & telemetry, data processing, or ground infrastructure). * Experience leading software development teams (preferably small, focused teams in the range of 8-20 engineers ) to deliver complex capabilities. * Experience working in an Agile development environment (SAFe or similar), including planning and executing sprints or PIs. * Experience leading requirements development, testing, and verification activities for software systems. * Demonstrated ability to write and present technical information to customers and executive/program management. * Experience with the Atlassian tool suite (e.g., Jira, Confluence) or similar Agile lifecycle management tools. * Awareness of Earned Value Management (EVM) practices , with experience supporting or partnering with CAMs on cost/schedule tracking, forecasts, and variance analysis., * Degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics). * Hands - on technical lead experience on ground software for space or similar complex, distributed systems. * Experience in one or more of the following areas (tailor these as needed): * Modern OO languages such as C++, Java, or C# . * Linux - based development environments. * Cloud - native architectures and containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes). * Telemetry/command, mission planning, or ground data processing systems. * Proven ability to operate effectively in a fast - paced, high - visibility environment , including direct customer interaction and support of major milestone events. * Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills , including conflict resolution and negotiation with positive outcomes while maintaining strong customer and stakeholder relationships. * Demonstrated track record of driving team efficiency by streamlining processes, improving workflows, and introducing pragmatic best practices. * Experience mentoring and developing early-career engineers. ## Description The Ground Software Development Lead will be responsible for leading the end - to - end software development lifecycle for a high - visibility ground software capability , following the Northrop Grumman SAFe Agile framework. In this role, you will lead a small, focused team of ~10-15 software developers to deliver frequent, high-quality increments aligned to the program's Product Roadmap. You will work in a fast - paced environment with direct, routine interaction with the Chief Engineer, Program Manager, IPT leadership, and external customers , supporting major program milestone events and readiness reviews. To be successful, you should bring strong hands - on technical skills in software development and ground segment experience for space systems , combined with excellent communication and leadership skills., * Lead a small, high - performing Agile ground software team (~10-15 engineers) to deliver incremental capabilities, interfaces, and defect fixes in alignment with the ground segment Product Roadmap , with an emphasis on schedule execution and quality . * Serve as the primary ground software technical lead , guiding architecture, design, implementation, and integration decisions; provide hands - on technical direction and help resolve complex implementation trade-offs. * Act as a key interface for ground software with: * Chief Engineer * Program Management * IPT / sub - IPT leads * External customers , particularly in support of major milestone events (e.g., design reviews, readiness reviews, demos). * Coordinate and prepare technical content and briefings for recurring customer and internal reviews, including Integrated Design Reviews, PI Prioritization, Release Planning, Program Management Reviews, and key milestone events. * Maintain team performance (velocity and quality) by removing obstacles , coaching the team, and refining processes to increase efficiency and predictability. * Provide EVM - aware leadership for the ground software scope: * Partner with CAMs/IPT leadership on staffing, schedule, and scope trades. * Monitor progress against cost and schedule baselines; contribute to variance analysis, forecasts, and corrective actions. * Chair or co-lead recurring Agile ceremonies for the ground software team, including PI Planning, Sprint Planning, Sprint Reviews, and daily stand-ups. * Collaborate closely with Systems Engineering, Cyber, DevOps, Training, and Integration & Test teams to ensure ground software capabilities integrate cleanly into the overall ground segment and mission concept of operations. * Communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches, risks, and recommendations at technical and program boards. * Challenge the status quo and drive continuous improvement by streamlining non-value-added processes, improving workflows, and championing best practices across the ground software team.