Staff Engineer, Software Architect – Level 5

Northrop Grumman

. Work on an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) team .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $161,000 - $265,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in software architecture and design, with a strong focus on developing and integrating complex software systems. Proficient in containerization technologies and configuration management, while ensuring compliance with software standards and effective communication.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Software Architecture And DesignContainerization TechnologiesConfiguration ManagementTeam LeadershipU.S. Government-Issued Secret Security Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software DevelopmentLogical And Mathematical SolutionsGap AnalysisMaturity AnalysisApplication TestingDebuggingData Processing SystemsProcess PlanningSoftware Standards ComplianceMultidisciplinary Research

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal Communication

Tools & Technologies

DockerKubernetesGitBitbucketJIRA

Industry Keywords

STEM DisciplineInternal Research And DevelopmentSoftware BaselinesSubsystem IntegrationVendor Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

DockerKubernetes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work on an Internal Research and Development (IRAD) team
Design, develop, document, test, and debug applications software and systems containing logical and mathematical solutions
Conduct multidisciplinary research
Collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in planning, design, development, and utilization of data processing systems
Ensure software standards are met
Plan and evolve processes and practices to execute program goals
Analyze Demonstration and I&T Plans to define software baselines required for each phase
Perform gap analysis and maturity analysis for software components to identify needed capabilities
Lead development of new software systems in a complex environment
Maintain an overall system vision while managing development and integration of several subsystems and vendors

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM discipline preferred from an accredited university and 12 years of related experience, or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 10 years experience, or a PhD and 8 years of experience
Software architecture and design experience
Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes and container orchestration
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, 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
Current active in-scope U.S. Government-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application and required to start
U.S. citizenship required for positions with a government clearance

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 insurance
Disability insurance
Savings plan
Company-paid holidays
Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business