Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: Huntsville
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: 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, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Huntsville, AL. Please note this position is contingent on contract award and funding. Position Overview: The selected Software Engineer responsibilities will include the support of the Ground Weapons System (GWS) program as an individual contributor on the Ground Fire Control (GFC) product. Essential Functions: The Software Engineer will be responsible for understanding, implementing, and testing both existing and new capabilities and algorithms, which include complex mathematics and physics-based solutions, that directly support GWS capabilities on behalf of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). As a Software Engineer on the GFC team, you will be part of a team that writes the software (currently ~1.5 million lines of code) that evaluates and manages the threat scene for the missile defense system that protects the US. The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/teams comprised of all experience levels. This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below. Basic Qualifications (BQs): This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Software Engineer – Level 3 or a Senior Principal Software Engineer – Level 4. Basic Qualifications: Basic Qualifications for Principal Software Engineer – Leve 3: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree and 3 years of related work experience, or 1 year of related work experience with a PhD. Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Software Engineer – Level 4: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 8 years of related work experience, or a Master's Degree and 6 years of related work experience, or 4 years of related work experience with a PhD. Recent experience developing software in C++ or Java or Ada Willingness to become proficient with Ada software development Applicants must possess good communication skills. Applicants must demonstrate ability to think critically and capture concepts in work products, presentations, and discussions. Capable of working both independently and within a team environment. Must be able to support an in-person / closed-area work environment. Ability and willingness to travel up to 10% of the time to support business needs. Applicants must have a current active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start. Preferred Qualifications: Highly experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations Recent MATLAB and Python experience Experience on a large-scale missile defense system like GMD. Advanced degree or strong background in Mathematics or Physics Battle Management or Fire Control experience. Experience with Agile Project Management tools (Jira/Confluence) and DevSecOps tools and methods (Jenkins, Ansible, Git/Gitlab) of continuous integration/continuous delivery and deployment (CI/CD) automation. Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 Secondary 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, Hoover , Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4, IT / Software / Systems , Huntsville, Alabama