Software Engineer Level 3 – 4

Northrop Grumman

. Support development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $114,000 - $213,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in full-stack software development, including proficiency in languages such as Go and Java, and experience with cloud environments like AWS. Strong capability in software architecture documentation, Agile methodologies, and integration testing, while maintaining a focus on user-centric design and secure development practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Full-Stack Software EngineeringJava 1.8+ DevelopmentAgile Program ExperienceMicroservice-Based Application DevelopmentActive Top Secret Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Go ProgrammingPython ProgrammingPostgres DatabaseKubernetesDockerAWS Infrastructure ProvisioningJavaScript FrameworksAutomated CI/CD PipelinesObject-Oriented DesignRESTful APIs

Soft Skills

Technical DocumentationCommunication SkillsProblem-SolvingLeadership

Tools & Technologies

GitMavenHelmHarborRobot FrameworkCucumberAgile Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Active Top Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

Ground Systems Domain KnowledgeSecure Development PracticesSystem TroubleshootingPerformance AnalysisOperations and Maintenance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AngularAWSAzureCloudDockerGoogle Cloud PlatformJavaJavaScriptKubernetesLinuxMavenPostgresPythonReactSDLCVue.jsGo

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support development, integration, deployment, and sustainment of satellite ground software
Participate in the full software development life cycle, including requirements development, modeling and design, application development, unit-to-CSCI testing, integration, formal system testing, release, installation, and maintenance
Solve complex integration problems using technical expertise
Interface between systems analysts/programmers and users to ensure information technology designs meet end-user needs
Document product and service requirements and develop test procedures
Interact with Program Management and government customers
Perform full-stack development at the OS, platform, and mission-unique software layers
Develop software using languages and toolsets including Go, Python, Postgres, Kubernetes/Docker, AWS infrastructure provisioning, PKI, and static code analysis
Make decisions with overall project budget and schedule in mind
Develop command-and-control software for hardware systems, including sending commands, receiving acknowledgements, and integrating across interfaces
Develop activity-planning and constraint-checking software to achieve mission outcomes
Develop visualization software for complex, dynamic environments in 2D and 3D with decision tools, intelligent context, and user-centric interfaces
Take ownership of complex problems, drive solutions, and provide implementation leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's Degree with 5 years of development experience for Principal Engineer Level 3; 3 years with a Master's Degree; 1 year with a PhD
Bachelor's Degree with 8 years of development experience for Sr. Principal Engineer Level 4; 6 years with a Master's Degree; 4 years with a PhD
4 additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of degree
Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility at time of application
2 years of experience with Agile programs for Level 3; 4 years for Level 4
2 years of experience with the design, build, and deployment of software products for Level 3; 4 years for Level 4
2 years of experience producing software architecture documentation for Level 3; 4 years for Level 4
Full-stack software engineering experience
Strong experience with Java 1.8+ and object-oriented design and implementation
Experience developing microservice-based applications
Experience with automated CI/CD pipelines, unit testing, integration testing, and automation test frameworks such as Robot or Cucumber
Experience with version control systems
U.S. Citizenship is required for positions with a government clearance
Preferred: Experience developing on Red Hat Linux 8 or similar Linux environments
Preferred: Experience deploying applications into AWS, Azure, or GCP cloud environments
Preferred: Ground systems domain knowledge
Preferred: Experience working under high security requirements and secure development practices
Preferred: Experience with RESTful APIs and JMS
Preferred: Experience with Git, Maven, Helm, and Harbor
Preferred: Strong front-end development experience with JavaScript frameworks such as React, Angular, or Vue
Preferred: Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, and DevOps principles and workflows
Preferred: Strong technical documentation and communication skills
Preferred: Experience with API schemas, deployment standards, and Helm-based deployment patterns
Preferred: System troubleshooting, performance analysis, and recovery of production services
Preferred: Operations and Maintenance experience and/or demonstrated bug resolution and incident response

Benefits

Comp & perks

Relocation assistance may be available
Overtime eligibility may be available depending on the position
Shift differential may be available depending on the position
Discretionary bonus may be available
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Savings plan
Company paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business