Sentinel Staff Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Staff Software Engineer to support the Sentinel Program in Huntsville, Alabama. This onsite role provides technical leadership for a Python-based software automation test architecture, with ownership of certifiable end-to-end test deliverables and cross-team execution.

Role Summary

The Staff Software Engineer will act as the primary technical authority for software test automation. The position focuses on establishing the strategy, design, and implementation of a Python-driven test framework and software automation environment, including integrations using Northrop Grumman tools. Responsibilities span technical direction, architecture and coding standards, test planning and release coordination, and stakeholder-facing representation of test status, risks, and recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the technical direction for the Software Test team, ensuring alignment with program goals and schedules.
• Define and guide software design approaches for the Python framework and SRCT integrations.
• Establish and enforce architecture and coding standards to support scalability, maintainability, and compliance.
• Lead efforts to achieve timely certification of requirements by proactively removing technical obstacles and managing risk.
• Coordinate software test activities across multiple sites to ensure consistent processes, quality, and communication.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to develop test methodologies, execute requirements traceability to test cases, and produce complete test documentation.
• Design, implement, and maintain automated test environments to improve coverage, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Mentor team members through feedback and knowledge sharing to support continuous learning and improvement.
• Plan and coordinate software test release activities in alignment with broader program schedules, resolving dependencies and risks proactively.
• Apply sound judgment in execution and partner with systems engineering, software development, and management to support a high-quality software lifecycle.
• Oversee quality and timeliness of delivered products by identifying potential issues early and driving remediation before impacts to customers or milestones.
• Serve as the primary technical test representative in reviews with senior management and customer stakeholders, communicating status, risks, and recommendations.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 12+ years of relevant experience; alternatively, 10+ years with a master’s degree; 8+ years with a Ph.D; or 4 additional years in lieu of a degree.
• U.S. citizenship with an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope (less than 6 years), with the ability to obtain and maintain SAP approval within a reasonable period as determined by the company.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience leading projects and/or driving team performance to meet schedule commitments.
• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience in embedded and/or application software test planning and test execution.
• Strong proficiency in Python, including hands-on experience developing, debugging, and maintaining software and/or test scripts.
• Experience managing a product team and delivering periodic, process-driven releases for a government customer.
• Software testing and troubleshooting background, including participation in or support of a Software Review Board (SRB) or equivalent governance process.
• Experience developing and reviewing requirements, including vertical traceability across a program-defined specification/document tree.
• Experience using Cameo (MagicDraw/Cameo Systems Modeler) or equivalent model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tool.
• Experience supporting informal integration as well as formal qualification test efforts.
• Experience developing Basis of Estimate (BOE) artifacts and supporting Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and Initial/Interim Financial Commitment (IFC) planning activities.

Technologies

• Python
• Software Requirements Checker Tool (SRCT)
• Cameo (MagicDraw/Cameo Systems Modeler)
• MagicDraw
• Cameo Systems Modeler
• Django
• Flask
• Atlassian tool suite
• Jira
• Bitbucket
• DO-178

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated requirements for leadership experience on medium-to-large, complex programs.
• Hands-on software automation scripting development and integration experience.
• Proficiency with Python application frameworks such as Django, Flask, or similar.
• Practical experience working in a SAFe Agile environment, including PI planning, ART ceremonies, and backlog management.
• Working knowledge of the Atlassian tool suite, including Jira and Bitbucket, for requirements, configuration, and workflow management.
• Strong understanding of DO-178 airworthiness processes and artifact generation, including HLR and LLR development and mapping to Segment/System/Software traceability.
• Familiarity with Real-Time Component Framework (RTCF) concepts and implementation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across leadership and individual contributor roles in large, multi-disciplinary teams.

Compensation and Schedule

Salary range: USD 169,000 - 253,600 per year.

Work schedule: Standard 9/80 schedule, allowing employees who work nine-hour days Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• 401k
• Educational Assistance
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
• Paid Time Off
• Health & Wellness Resources
• Employee Discounts

Relocation, Travel, and Clearance

• Relocation assistance: Relocation assistance may be available.
• Travel: Yes, 25% of the time.
• Clearance required for start: Yes.
• Clearance type: Secret.

Location

Huntsville, AL (onsite).

Application Period

The application period is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date, but it may be shortened or extended based on business needs and candidate availability.