Engineer / Principal Engineer Software - Autonomy

United States-California-Redondo BeachPosted Aug 6, 2026

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

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 sector team is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer or Principal Software Engineer to join our team onsite in Redondo Beach, CA to continue advancement in our leading-edge software for our most advanced systems.

Accomplish

This project will offer the opportunity to bring software to fruition in a live flight test environment. It involves the design and development of software technologies that utilize Graphics Processor Units (GPU), supercomputers, and other advanced hardware for modeling & simulation, vehicle design optimization, and aircraft integrated technologies. The position requires travel to test sites to support flight test activities. The position has No Remote or Hybrid work available.

You must have experience with the development of autonomy algorithms, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) development, C++ and Python programming, experience using Dev*Ops tools such as Jenkins pipelines, and hands-on HW/SW integration skills in a lab and demonstration environment.

Primary responsibilities will be design, development, integration and testing of software systems. You must enjoy working in a fast paced and dynamic team environment. You should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This position offers multiple opportunities to work with other highly energetic team members both within the immediate team as well as coordinate collaborative development across projects and teams.

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:

  • For Engineer Software position: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university with 2 years of experience; OR Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a STEM related discipline from an accredited university
  • For Principal Engineer Software position: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university with 5 years of experience; OR Master’s Degree in Computer Science or a STEM related discipline from an accredited university with 3 years of experience
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
  • Proficient in developing and debugging C++ code
  • Experience using DevOps tools such as Jenkins pipelines

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active US Government Secret or Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
  • Proficient in C++11, Java, MATLAB, or Python
  • Strongly prefer experience with autonomy algorithms and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) development
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to optimize algorithms for parallel execution and identify performance bottlenecks
  • Proficient with Git
  • CUDA experience optimizing algorithms
  • Experience with GUI development
  • Experience with Docker/Kubernetes cloud deployment
  • Software architecture design, development, integration, and test
  • Experience with software design and development for vehicle systems
  • Experience with software performance monitoring and analysis
  • Comfortable in a Linux shell environment
  • Proficient with cross-platform build tools such as CMake and Gradle
  • Experience deploying and debugging containers in Docker/Kubernetes environments
  • Experience with Agile development processes
  • Able to quickly learn and adapt to new tools and development environments
  • Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Enjoy working in a fast paced and dynamic team environment

Thrive with Us

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

If you are ready to join us in defining possible, apply now.

Primary Level Salary Range: $91,800.00 - $137,600.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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