Principal Engineer - Simulation Modeling
Northrop Grumman
- Location
- United States-California-Palmdale
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Principal
- Posted
- Aug 19, 2026
Skills
About this role
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Engineer - Simulation Modeling to join the team of qualified individuals. Position is located in Palmdale, CA. If you enjoy turning complex models into fast, real-time simulations, you’ll shape frameworks, visualization, and analysis pipelines used by diverse customers. Expect variety, learning opportunities, and a friendly environment as you guide trade studies and mission effectiveness analysis using C/C++/Java on Windows/Linux/RTOS with Git, Confluence, Atlassian, and GitLab.
Key Responsibilities
Develops new and/or integrates existing system simulation frameworks, performance models and algorithms, threat models and command and control models. Simulates real-time operations and develops software that simulates behavior of systems. Develops integrates and uses advanced graphical user interfaces and visualization tools. Models operational environments, performs trade studies via computer simulation and recommends alternative architectures. Performs operational analysis and mission effectiveness analysis. We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.
Basic Qualifications
Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline AND 8 years of related professional/military experience to include a background in model simulation, OR a Master's degree AND 6 years of related professional/military experience include a background in model simulation, OR a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience include a background in model simulation. Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs. Ability to obtain and maintain subsequent SAP PARs following commencement of employment to be able to completely support statement of work. Solid understanding of object-oriented programming languages, including C/C++. Familiarity with development on Windows, Linux, and RTOS like LynxOS or VxWorks. Experience with aviation or safety-critical systems Experience with JavaScript, HTML,CSS and XML Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite, plugins, Git and Confluence. Experience developing software using Java, C++ or other object oriented software languages Preferred Qualifications: Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance. Comfort with agile development tools such as the GitLab tool suite, including proficiency with version control systems like Git. Full software development life cycle experience. Rhapsody and/or Cameo UML