Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4
United States-Virginia-Dulles$114k–$213kPosted Jul 15, 2026
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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.
If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As an Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4, your role at Dulles, VA, will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.
Ready to join forces with our visionary team?
This Embedded Software Engineer will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization, developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.
This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Develop embedded software modules and have familiarity with data protocols including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO, and others
* Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing, and verification plan.
* Develop and configure board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers.
* Performs trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.
* Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform.
* Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
* Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
* Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
* Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
* Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
* Other duties as assigned.
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or a Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
* Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 5 years of relevant professional experience – OR – Master’s degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience – OR – PhD with 1 year of relevant professional experience.
* Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
* Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.
* Understanding of...