Sr Principal Engineer Software – SA (26-081)

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Huntsville
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: No 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 Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Sr Principal Engineer Software – SA (26-081) to join our talented and diverse team. Based in Huntsville, AL, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels. This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options. Position Overview: The C2BMC program is crucial for the Missile Defense System. It allows the U.S. president, defense secretary, and combatant commanders to plan missile defense operations, monitor battles, and adjust networked sensors and weapons in real-time to achieve regional and global objectives. Supporting layered defenses, C2BMC enables quick, effective responses to threats across all ranges and flight stages. It acts as a force multiplier by linking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems globally, enhancing overall efficiency. Moreover, C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and showcase current and future missile defense capabilities. This position is for a Software Engineer on the C2BMC program. The candidate will be responsible for developing Java software for Systems Architecture (Sys-Ar), part of the Regional Applications team in Huntsville, AL. With minimal guidance, the candidate will provide specialized expertise across multiple systems and software disciplines, as well as general knowledge of related areas, application impacts, and customer needs. Essential Functions: Responsible for conducting in-depth analysis and providing technical support for systems software products, including resolving complex problems, designing, developing, testing, integrating operations, and supporting users Maintains currency, debugs, and configures associated with software products Develops or modifies operating system applications based on specifications Supports design, coding, benchmark testing, debugging, and documenting programs Interfaces with other system support groups to resolve problems, establish standards, and enhance the overall efficiency of the operating system Designs, codes, tests, and implements tools for operations automation Works on most phases of software systems programming applications, and may need minor instruction and guidance in other phases A leadership position may be required on small software-focused teams 5 years of relevant experience and possibly a post-secondary degree or training in a related field Basic Qualifications: Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 8 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 6 years of relevant work experience; or 12 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start Candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team environment Software engineering and software development with strong Java/J2EE experience Will have experience and knowledge of software practices, including coding standards, automated testing, automated build pipelines, and configuration management Experience developing enterprise applications on Linux (Windows experience is also desired) Extensive experience with Java foundation classes and toolkits Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to review performance and operational issues, identify the root cause, and recommend, design, and implement a solution Use of common software development and management tools such as Maven, Git/GitHub, Nexus, and Eclipse Experience with Agile development methodologies Understanding of standard systems engineering design artifacts, such as Use Cases and SysML diagrams Preferred Qualifications: Command and control system application development Experience with software integration and formal testing Knowledge and experience implementing Cybersecurity/RMF requirements Ability to present advanced concepts to non-software engineers, including senior program and military leaders Small-team leadership experience (Agile team leadership strongly desired); mentoring and guiding junior engineers Experience with performance modeling Experience with microservices Experience with DevSecOps and/or build management Designing and building graphical user interfaces Flexibility and willingness to take on unanticipated tasks Knowledge of server-side/database development and computer system administration; net-centric, horizontal integration program expertise is a plus What We Can Offer You: Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth, supporting both employees and the company's success. The benefits offered are flexible and customizable, allowing you to choose options that best suit your needs and your family's. Your benefits include the following: Health Plan Savings Plan Paid Time Off Education Assistance Training and Development Flexible Work Arrangements https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx NGSpace COSpace NGFeaturedJobs C2BMC Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Murfreesboro , Sr Principal Engineer Software – SA (26-081), IT / Software / Systems , Huntsville, Tennessee