Software Engineer / Software Architect - Level 5

Northrop Grumman

Huntsville, Alabama, United StatesFull-time$135,800–$203,600Posted Oct 19, 2026

About the role

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 Central Systems Engineering team is hiring a Software Engineer / Software Architect - Level 5, located in Huntsville, AL.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems, Multi-Domain Operations, and Missile Defense Integration Business Unit (BU) has an exciting career opportunity for a Software Architect supporting Internal Research and Development (IRAD) to join our team of qualified, diverse, and innovative individuals located in Huntsville, AL.

Position Overview:

As a Software Engineer and Software Architect on an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) team, you will work in a collaborative environment to design, develop, document, test and debug applications software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions. You will conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of data processing systems for product and commercial software. Ensure software standards are met.

Essential Functions:

Responsible for planning and evolving processes and practices to execute program goals

Analyze Demonstration and I&T Plans to define the software baselines required for each phase

Perform gap analysis and maturity analysis for software components to identify needed capabilities

Lead the development of new software systems in a complex environment

Attain and utilize an overall system vision, managing the development and integration of several subsystems and vendors

Seeking candidates who find satisfaction in working on challenging and diverse assignments in collaborative settings across all levels.

Basic Qualifications:

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 in a STEM discipline and 6 years experience, or a PhD and 4 years of experience

Software architecture and design experience

Experience with containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and container orchestration

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly

Configuration management experience using Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA

Basic team leadership experience

Ability and willingness to travel 10% to support business needs

Applicants must have a current active in-scope U.S. Government DoD issued Secret security clearance which is required to start

Preferred Qualifications:

Highly experienced with Linux, scripting, and operations

Experience with automated software requirements testing and analysis

Experience with battle management and or fire control systems

Experience developing in an Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment

Very solid background in math and physics

Primary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

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

  • Plan and evolve processes and practices to meet program goals
  • Analyze demonstration and integration plans to define software baselines
  • Assess software component gaps and maturity to identify needed capabilities
  • Lead development of software systems in complex environments
  • Guide the development and integration of multiple subsystems and vendors

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related experience, master’s degree and 6 years, or PhD and 4 years
  • Experience in software architecture and design
  • Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Configuration management experience with Git, Bitbucket, and JIRA
  • Basic team leadership experience
  • Active, in-scope U.S. Government DoD Secret clearance required at start
  • Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%

Benefits

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

Skills mentioned

System DesignSystems EngineeringContainerizationDockerKubernetesGitLinuxShell ScriptingSoftware TestingIntegration Testing

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