Principal/Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer

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

Job Description:

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI 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. 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. We have an opening for a Principal/Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Tactical Space Systems organization developing space vehicle hardware-in-the-loop simulation platforms for large and small space programs. These high-fidelity test platforms provide a hardware/software facsimile of space vehicle component interfaces to flight processors for flight software and mission development and qualification. The candidate will be part of a small design team supporting various programs such as National Security Space systems, NASA space science missions, and communication satellites. This position will be located in Dulles, VA and requires a TS clearance. Roles and Responsibilities: In this role you will: Establish simulation requirements for hardware in the loop platforms. Select off-the-shelf or design interface hardware to simulate space vehicle components (actuators, sensors, and payloads). Develop simulation software models and software interfaces to simulation hardware cards, including digital, analog, serial, and SpaceWire. Define simulation testbed harnessing based on the space vehicle flight harness and simulation requirements. Interface with hardware engineers in the design, build, and test of the simulation platforms. Implement software control of simulation platform test equipment. Develop and execute simulation certification loop back testing. Work with program engineers to integrate components and flight software with the simulation platform. Use common lab equipment (oscilloscopes, break out boxes, multimeters, interface analyzers) for debug and problem resolution. Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers. Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels. This position can be hired as a Principal Engineer (level 3) or an Sr. Principal Engineer (level 4) depending on experience. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years experience, Master's degree and 3 years experience, OR Ph.D in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field (Level 3) . Bachelor’s degree and 8 years experience, Master's degree and 6 years experience, OR Ph.D and 4 years of experience in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field (Level 4) . Diverse programming experience: C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous integration Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management Current TS clearance at time of application US Citizenship required Preferred Qualifications: System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization Understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management Experience with or awareness of earned value management Experience working closely with and/or leading cross departmental teams Experience with closed loop simulations Advanced proficiency in software development using C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting Experience developing software in a Linux OS environment Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards and National Instruments proprietary software Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00 Secondary 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.

Keywords: Northrop Grumman, Bethesda , Principal/Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer, Engineering , Sterling, Maryland