Software Developer (Level 3 or 4)

Northrop Grumman is hiring a Software Developer (Level 3 or 4) for its Space Sector. This role is 100% onsite in McLean, VA, supporting the development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software, with responsibilities spanning full-stack delivery, ground-operations support, testing and automation, and launch event assistance.

Location and Schedule

• Location: McLean, VA (onsite)
• Work schedule: 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time

Salary

• Primary level range: USD 11,400 - 171,000 per yearly
• Secondary level range: USD 142,200 - 213,400 per yearly

Role Summary

The position supports satellite ground-software efforts across the OS, platform, and mission-unique software layers. Work includes full-stack development, ground-software operations support, testing and automation, and ground support during launch and launch-rehearsal events.

Responsibilities

• Perform full-stack development at the OS, platform, and mission-unique software layers.
• Develop client and server applications and services using service-oriented or object-oriented architectures, micro-services, and message-bus-based data exchange, including first-of-a-kind capabilities.
• Operate as a self-starter, making decisions with project budget and schedule in mind.
• Support ground-software operations and related configurations, including troubleshooting software errors and hardware impacts.
• Support Acceptance Test events by running tests and providing test automation.
• Configure ground-segment software, remediate defects, and deliver enhancements based on customer change requests or mission needs.
• Provide ground-software support during launch and launch-rehearsal events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Clearance: Top Secret clearance required to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top-Secret clearance.
• Education/experience (Level 3): Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 5 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree with 3 years of professional experience OR PhD with 1 year of professional experience.
• Level 3: Demonstrated software development experience.
• Level 3 skills: Python application development, C++, Bash scripting.
• Design and implement mission-planning tools, including trajectory generation, timeline creation, and resource allocation.
• Build graphical user interfaces and APIs to enable operators to create, edit, and validate mission plans.
• Integrate real-time data feeds (ephemeris, weather, space-environment models) via the Qpid message bus.
• Automate plan validation and collision-avoidance checks using Python-based rule engines.
• Education/experience (Level 4): Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 8 years of professional experience OR Master’s degree with 6 years of professional experience OR PhD with 4 years of professional experience.
• Level 4: Demonstrated software development experience.
• Level 4 skills: Python application development, C++, Bash scripting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of orbital mechanics basics (or willingness to learn).
• Experience with GUI frameworks (e.g., Flask/Django, Plotly/D3).
• Familiarity with real-time data streaming (Kafka, RabbitMQ).
• Understanding of mission-timeline concepts.
• Strong preference: Top Secret.

Technologies

• Python
• C++
• Java
• PostgreSQL
• Qpid message broker (AMQP)
• AMQP
• gRPC
• Protocol Buffers
• Qt
• Elixir
• Docker
• Kubernetes
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux
• Windows
• Micro-services
• Service-oriented architecture
• Object-oriented architectures
• Bash scripting
• Flask/Django
• Plotly/D3
• Kafka
• RabbitMQ
• Qpid message bus
• U.S. Government Top-Secret clearance

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Depending on the position, eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay
• Annual bonuses
• Long Term Incentives for employees in Vice President or Director positions
• Comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package

Relocation Assistance

Relocation assistance may be available.