Ground SW Engineer: C/C++ Simulation – Level 3 or 4 (Chandler) (AHT)
This posting asks for U.S. citizenship. It also names a Secret clearance.
The posting offers relocation and a 9/80, 4/10 or other compressed week. More space jobs with relocationMore with a 9/80 schedule
About the role
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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.
Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Ground SW Engineer: C/C++ Simulation – Level 3 or Level 4 located in Chandler, AZ, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Role Summary
In this role, you will develop and integrate ground support equipment (GSE) software, simulators, and test tools in a Linux-based, classified development environment. The work is centered primarily on object-oriented C/C++ development, with Java also supporting the environment. This role includes simulation and test tool development, GSE and core application development, hardware/software interface support, system integration, troubleshooting, and software life-cycle activities including requirements, design documentation, peer reviews, testing, and configuration management. At the higher level, this role may also include technical leadership responsibilities such as guiding less-experienced engineers, supporting schedules and program/customer discussions, and helping drive work through integration and delivery.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.
In this job, you will
- Design, develop, test, and integrate ground support equipment (GSE) software, simulators, and test tools.
- Develop simulation and test-tool software, as well as GSE and core application software, in support of mission needs.
- Perform object-oriented software development primarily in C/C++, with Java in a Linux environment.
- Create software requirements specifications and design documentation.
- Participate in peer reviews, configuration management, and other software-process activities.
- Support hardware/software interface development, simulator deployment, system integration, and troubleshooting.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and apply sound engineering judgment to resolve them.
- Collaborate with embedded, GNC, systems, test, and other engineering partners in an integration-heavy environment.
- Develop, test, and integrate software in a classified work environment.
- At the higher level, support technical leadership activities, schedules, and program/customer discussions, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
If this job description reads like it was written specifically for you, consider joining our team.
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with 5 years of professional experience; or Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience; or PhD with 1 year of professional experience. Additional 4+ years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- Active DoD Secret clearance or higher at the time of application, with ability to obtain additional program access as required.
- Professional experience developing object-oriented software in C or C++ in a Linux environment.
- Professional experience developing, integrating, or testing software for simulators, ground support equipment, test tools, embedded systems, or closely related real-time or mission-critical applications.
Basic Qualifications for Level 4
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) with 8 years of professional experience; or Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience; or PhD with 4 years of professional experience. Additional 4+ years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
- Active DoD Secret clearance or higher at the time of application, with ability to obtain additional program access as required.
- Professional experience developing object-oriented software in C or C++ in a Linux environment.
- Professional experience developing, integrating, or testing software for simulators, ground support equipment, test tools, embedded systems, or closely related real-time or mission-critical applications.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Java software development.
- Experience with DevSecOps practices and tools, including CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, and software delivery workflows.
- Experience in RTOS environments or with real-time applications.
- Experience with simulation development.
- Experience with HWIL, computer-in-the-loop, integration labs, test stands, or mission or flight-critical systems.
- Experience with Python for scripting, automation, or test support.
- Experience with software integration, troubleshooting, hardware/software interface support, or software deployment in lab or classified environments.
- Experience collaborating across software, embedded, GNC, systems, test, or EE teams in an integration-heavy environment.
- Experience leading technical efforts, guiding less-experienced engineers, or owning work products through integration and delivery.
Learn More
Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Benefits
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
#AZSpace #SpaceGNCJobs #SpaceEngJobs
#SPEnhancedERAP
Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
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.
Copied from the listing Northrop Grumman published, verified 31 Oct 2026.
About Northrop Grumman
Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.
Chandler is Northrop Grumman's launch vehicle campus, 633,000 square feet, where most of its launch vehicles are designed, built and tested. (Source: Area Development)
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