Principal / Sr. Principal Software Engineer (C++)

About the role

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Software Engineer based in Woodland Hills, CA, to join the Enterprise-wide digital transformation effort. The role involves developing C/C++ software for national defense programs using Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps, and Agile practices. Full-time on-site required.

Clearance required at start: Active Top Secret clearance (enrolled in Continuous Evaluation).

What you'll do

• Provide technical leadership for junior software engineers
• Develop C/C++ software to modernize and productionize research codebases with modern C++ features
• Build software infrastructure supporting CI/CD, software metrics collection, and MLOps
• Implement software systems and architectures for increased modularity, scalability, and reliability
• Apply and maintain industry software engineering best practices
• Work closely with Software Leads and Architects on program intent, system capabilities, and output requirements

Requirements

Principal (T03):

• BS in STEM + 5 years, or MS in STEM + 3 years, or PhD + 1 year
• Active Top Secret clearance enrolled in Continuous Evaluation
• Experience in C/C++; familiarity with modern C++ standards (C++17+)
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and Git-based source control

Sr. Principal (T04):

• BS in STEM + 8 years, or MS + 6 years, or PhD + 4 years
• Same clearance and technical requirements

Preferred:

• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, Linux, CUDA/GPUs
• High-performance numerical/scientific computing, parallel computing
• Experience developing for SWaP-constrained environments
• Familiarity with signal-processing algorithms and Agile/Scrum/DevSecOps

Pay & benefits

• Principal: $114,000–$171,000/yr
• Sr. Principal: $142,200–$213,400/yr
• Benefits: medical, dental, vision, 401k, life insurance, educational assistance, paid holidays and PTO

U.S. Citizenship required. 10% travel. Contingent upon active TS clearance transfer.