Software Engineer - Level 3

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 Principal Software Engineer – Level 3 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be in Huntsville, AL . Position Overview: As a Principal Software Engineer for the GMD Weapon System (GWS) program, you will play a pivotal role in building and sustaining the development, operations and security posture (DevSecOps) of the program’s classified systems and networks used for development, integration, test, training, and operations. The selected candidate will help shape the future of DevSecOps development for the GWS program. Essential Functions: Working with airgap environments, classified cloud environments, and government customer networks Working with server virtualization technologies, different operating systems, and central authentication Deploying and maintaining applications on Kubernetes clusters Developing and reviewing software code (Java, Python, etc.) Knowledge of network testing methodologies using routers, switches, and firewalls Knowledge of various operating systems and system administration skills The selected candidate should thrive in a fast-paced work environment with high expectations, significantly diverse assignments, and collaborative/team settings across all levels. Basic Qualifications: 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 in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related work experience, or a PhD and 1 year of related work experience, or 9 years of related work experience in lieu of a degree may be considered. Applicants must be able to work collaboratively in a team environment with other highly motivated software engineers. Familiarity with network communication products, including routers, switches, firewalls, Domain Name Servers (DNS), and data encryption products. Must have a DOD 8140 IAT Level II certification (ex: Security CE) Strong systems administrator experience, specifically in Windows/Linux Operating Systems environments Experience working with cloud technologies and platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Experience in Agile practices and principles to deliver high quality products and services Must be able to support an in-person / closed-area work environment 100% of the time. Ability and willingness to travel up-to 10% 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: Experience with Kubernetes, Docker, and/or other cloud orchestration technologies. Experience with Helm Charts and Ansible Technologies Experience with configuration management tools, i.e., Git, GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, others. Experience in programming and scripting experience in a UNIX environment (C++, Perl, Python, Bash, Ruby, Shell, Scripts). Programming and scripting experience in a Windows environment (PowerShell, etc.) Experience with software development (i.e., Java/JavaScript, C++, C#, or any modern object-oriented language) and its life cycles Experience in Network Management Systems (HP Network Node Manager, Solarwinds, and NAS/SAN technologies (NetApp, etc.) Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00 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, Decatur , Software Engineer - Level 3, IT / Software / Systems , Huntsville, Alabama