Principal Engineer Software
Northrop Grumman
- Location
- United States-California-El Segundo
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Principal
- Posted
- Aug 20, 2026
Skills
About this role
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: 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’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible. Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Engineer Software position for embedded software to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals onsite in El Segundo, CA . Accomplish You will report to the Research & Advanced Design organization using technologies that include 5G/NextG communications, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and future wireless technologies in support of tactical applications for the warfighter. You will support a research area associated with a key program lab environment, so please note that telecommute/remote is not an option.
Key responsibilities
Work all phases of the software development cycle including design, development, integration, and test in a fast-paced environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative team settings across all levels. Conduct peer reviews of software-related products, software designs, and additional technical documents. Participate in a cross-functional scrum team including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test. Understand system requirements, how they apply to system design, and implement and debug software to accomplish defined completion criteria. Identify and assess new technologies prior to implementation. You must be a self-starter and able to efficiently operate in a team environment. Existing engineering and system specialists will be made available to assist with any activities associated with executing primary tasking. However, you will be expected to prioritize and make recommendations to technical leads, as required, to implement tasking assigned. Succeed The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math) with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience, or a PhD in