Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Mathematician)

Northrop Grumman

Boulder, Colorado, United StatesFull-time$114,000–$213,400Posted Nov 5, 2026

About the role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be 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.

The Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU), Advanced Programs group has an opening for a Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4 (mathematician/algorithms developer/software engineer). We are working on an autonomous distributed tracking system - Join our high performing software team and come make history with us! The position is located on-site in Boulder, CO. Boulder is nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and only 25 miles from downtown Denver.

Join the Advanced Programs team as a Mathematician with Linux environment and C++ software development exposure.

Essential Functions:

Performance analysis of tracking and state estimation algorithms

Tool and prototype development using modern C++ v20+ and Python

Algorithm defect tracking and resolution

Analysis tool development (Python)

Technical documentation input as required

Input to customer-facing presentations

This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on qualifications listed below.

This requisition may be filled at either a Principal Software Engineer – Level 3 or a Sr. Principal Software Engineer – Level 4.

Basic Qualifications for a Software Engineer (Level 3 or 4):

Principal Software Engineer – Level 3: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 5 years of related experience, or a Master's Degree and 3 years of related experience, or 1 year of experience with a PhD.

Sr. Principal Software Engineer – Level 4: Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline preferred from an accredited university and 8 years of related experience, or a Master's Degree and 6 years of related experience, or 4 years of experience with a PhD.

An active in-scope U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance is required to start; with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

Linux Experience

Modern C++ Experience - Ability to write modern C++ code (templates, understanding move semantics, smart pointers, etc.)

Python Experience

Strong Math Background

Stochastic Processes

Linear Algebra

Probability

Statistical Principles & Analysis Experience

Hypothesis Testing

Probability Distributions

Conditional Probability

Multi-Variate Random Variables

Kalman Filters

Least Squares

Algorithm design and state estimation experience

Stereo vision systems experience

Infrared systems experience

Satellite systems experience

Data fusion experience

Distributed systems experience

Algorithm verification and validation experience

Plotly, javascript, and SQL experience

#COSpace

#SpaceSoftwareJobs

#SPEnhancedERAP

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.

Responsibilities

  • Analyze the performance of tracking and state-estimation algorithms
  • Develop tools and prototypes using modern C++ and Python
  • Track and resolve algorithm defects
  • Develop Python analysis tools
  • Contribute to technical documentation and customer-facing presentations

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5 years of related experience, master's degree and 3 years, or PhD and 1 year for Level 3
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related experience, master's degree and 6 years, or PhD and 4 years for Level 4
  • Active in-scope U.S. Government DoD Secret clearance required; ability to obtain and maintain Top Secret clearance
  • Experience with Linux, modern C++, and Python preferred
  • Strong mathematics background, including probability, linear algebra, and statistical analysis
  • Experience with algorithm design, state estimation, Kalman filters, and least-squares methods preferred

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company-paid holidays and paid time off
  • Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses

Skills mentioned

C++PythonLinuxDistributed SystemsStatistical AnalysisStatistical ModelingSignal ProcessingSoftware TestingPerformance OptimizationDebugging

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Inc. is a company based out of 12011 Sunset Hills Rd, Reston, Virginia, United States.

2-10 employeesReston, Virginia