Principal Software Engineer (26-434)
- Top Secret clearance
- Security+
How this pay compares
This posting states $104k–$155k a year. Open software engineer jobs in Colorado post a median of $159k a year, the middle half $135k–$198k, across 249 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post.
About the job
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance 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.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems - Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer (26-434) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S.
President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels. ## NOTE: This position is only available to current and active C2BMC personnel This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options. ## Position Overview The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System.
It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals.
C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance.
C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.
We are seeking a Software Engineer to join the C2BMC Global team, with a primary responsibility for developing Java software for a large, distributed, mission-critical system. ## In this role, you will - Design, develop, and maintain Java-based software for the C2BMC Global system, contributing to a large, complex, distributed mission environment - Provide in-depth analysis and technical support of a large Java code baseline, including complex problem resolution, design, development, integration, testing, and user support - Follow specifications and system requirements to develop or modify functionality within the code base, ensuring robustness, performance, and maintainability - Design, code, test, and implement tools to support automation and improve operational efficiency and system reliability - Assist with software design, benchmark testing, debugging, and documentation to support new capabilities and enhancements - Interface with other system support groups, including systems engineering, integration and test, cyber, operations, and other development teams - to resolve problems, set standards, and improve overall system efficiency - Analyze and troubleshoot performance and operational issues, identify root causes, and recommend and implement effective solutions - Work both independently and as part of a small, focused team in a highly dynamic and evolving environment, adapting to changing priorities and tasking - Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including design descriptions, test plans, test reports, and user support materials - Apply established software practices and coding standards to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with programming and customer expectations - Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging lessons learned and emerging technologies to enhance C2BMC Global capabilities ## 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 5 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 9 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree - Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the eligibility to be read onto SCI clearance - Proficiency in Java , with the ability to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot Java applications in a complex, distributed environment - Experience developing software in a Unix/Linux environment - Strong understanding of software development principles, including: - Object-oriented programming (OOP) - Common design patterns - Testing and debugging techniques - Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with team members, stakeholders, and customers - Ability to work effectively in a rapid-paced, collaborative team environment, as well as independently when needed - Knowledge of software engineering practices and coding standards, and the discipline to work within a structured development and release environment - Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to: - Review performance and operational issues - Identify root causes - Recommend and develop appropriate solutions - Experience working as part of an Agile software development team - Familiarity with Java Spring and related frameworks - Knowledge of server-side development and message passing in distributed systems - Experience developing enterprise-scale applications - Flexibility and willingness to take on unanticipated tasking and rapidly learn new technologies or domains - Experience using common software development and management tools such as: - Git, Nexus, JIRA, Confluence, Maven, Eclipse (or similar IDEs) - Understanding standard systems engineering design artifacts such as Use Cases and UML diagrams , and how they drive software design and implementation ## Preferred Qualifications Candidates with these additional qualifications will be especially competitive: - Applicants with a current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND, etc.) at the time of application are highly desired - Command and control system application development experience, particularly in defense or real-time/near–real-time environments - Previous experience with message translation software and related integration patterns - Prior experience designing and developing microservices and deploying them using containers ## What We Can Offer You Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company.
The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs.
Your benefits will 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 #Software #CI/CD #DevOps Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 The above
From Northrop Grumman's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
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About Northrop Grumman
Satellites, space telescopes, cargo spacecraft and rocket boosters, inside a defense prime.
Pay on its listings: 98% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on Northrop Grumman's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
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