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# Principal/Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer (Active Secret)

- **Company:** Northrop Grumman
- **Location:** Redondo Beach, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $114,000.0 - $171,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Agile Methodology, Systems Engineering, Confluence, JIRA, C++ (Programming Language), Linux, DevOps, Embedded C, Embedded Software, Python (Programming Language), Network Architecture, Object-Oriented Software Development, Shell Script, Software Engineering, Software Requirements Analysis, Software Systems, Systems Integration, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter, Real Time Systems, Git, SC Clearance, Atlassian Tools, Bitbucket, Docker, Jenkins
- **Published:** October 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-sr-principal-embedded-software-engineer-active-secret-redondo-beach-ca--495343a5-c083-4c99-b38e-051c716d3b9a

## About the Role

Embedded Software, Secret Clearance, Software Engineering, Diversity, Software Engineering, Secret Clearance, Network Architecture/Engineering, Leadership, Database Administration, DevOps, Basic Qualifications - Principal Flight Software Engineer (Level 3):

 * 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
 * Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
 * Strong background in embedded C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming
 * Strong background in integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a lab environment
 * Proficiency with Python
 * Experience writing driver-level software for serial or networking applications (UART, TCP, UDP)
 * Experience developing in a Linux environment
 * 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
 * Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
 * Strong background in embedded C/C++ development with emphasis in object-oriented and thread-safe programming
 * Strong background in integrating and troubleshooting embedded software in a lab environment
 * Proficiency with Python
 * Experience writing driver-level software for serial or networking applications (UART, TCP, UDP)
 * Experience developing in a Linux environment
 * 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
 * Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance and/or SCI Access

## Description

The job responsibilities of the Flight Software Engineer include, but are not limited to, the following:

 * Design, develop, integrate, and verify/test flight software solutions for embedded and real-time systems.
 * Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams-including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test-within an Agile development environment.
 * Successful candidates are expected to understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and to implement and debug software to meet defined completion criteria.

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