Sr. Principal Engineer Software - Deputy Ground Software Lead

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.

Designs, develops, documents, tests and debugs applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions. Conducts multidisciplinary research and collaborates with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software. Determines computer user needs; analyzes system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls; prepares operating instructions; designs and develops compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems. Ensures software standards are met.

We are looking for team members who want to solve interesting, complex problems, which protect our nation. Your talents and passion are most important to us. Become a part of our enthusiastic team where we have fun working together and take pride in our contributions to the nation’s safety.

We are recruiting for a senior engineers with a background in Software Development Engineering and Team Leadership. 

In this role, the focus will be on development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software. This positions is located onsite on our Chantilly, VA campus, and requires a Top Secret clearance at the time of application.

Job Description:

Partner with the RTE – Help plan and run PI activities and keep the team on schedule.  

Own the bug‑fix flow – Triage defects, facilitate priority setting, and improve cycle‑time and predictability.  

Use data to drive decisions – Track team efficiency, defect metrics, and act on the insights.  

Be a technical bridge – Connect development teams with leadership and customers, and coach teams on SAFe and servant‑leadership.  

Support the Development Lead – Assist the Lead with strategic decisions, stakeholder communication, and process changes so the team runs smoothly and continues to deliver mission‑critical software.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (ideally Computer Science or Engineering) and 8 years of experience; OR a master’s degree and 6 years: OR a PhD and 4 years.  Experience can be considered in lieu of degree (4 years of additional experience)

• Experience with satellite operations

• Ability to work on site daily

• Basic understanding of DevSecOps and CI/CD pipeline

• SAFe 5 or 6 Agilist/SM/PO or equivalent

• Ability to execute with little to no guidance

• Experience with customer interaction

• Experience leading teams of 25+ engineers

• U.S. Citizenship

• Must have a current and active Top-Secret clearance at the time of application

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven track record of navigating unfamiliar or rapidly‑changing environments

• Space Mission Planning Experience

• Understanding of greater company goals with motivation to succeed

• Ability to mentor junior engineers

• Experience in a deputy lead role and an understanding of what that role entails. 

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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.