Principal / Sr. Principal Software Engineer - Software Assurance

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
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’s Aeronautics Sector is currently seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Software Engineer - Software Assurance to join our talented Research and Advanced Development Team onsite in El Segundo, CA.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.

Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.

Accomplish

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the Software Assurance Evaluation Report (SAER), including initial template creation and annual updates.
• Develop and update the Software and Firmware Assurance Plan to meet PPP, NIST 8397, and US Government guidance.
• Collaborate with DevOps and System Security Engineering to configure and maintain:
• Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
• Dynamic analysis and container scanning
• Vulnerability scanning and related assurance tools
• Perform scans of supplier software and firmware (where compilable), analyze results, and work with suppliers to remediate vulnerabilities.
• Provide weekly review of automated tool findings and deliver mitigation recommendations to NG teams and the customer.
• Support setup and deployment of code-signing tooling and related secure build/deployment mechanisms.
• Sustain ongoing software/firmware assurance activities through baseline, incremental, and option year phases (2027–2031), including periodic (e.g., monthly) supplier SW/FW scans and reporting.

Succeed

The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, goal-oriented to help us grow our services, become even better at what we do and will possess the following qualifications.

**This role may be filled at either the Principal Software Engineer or a Sr. Principal Software Engineer level based on the qualifications below.**

Basic Qualifications:

• Principal Engineer: Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline with 5 years of engineering related experience or a Masters in STEM with 3 years of related engineering experience
• Sr. Principal Engineer: Must have a Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of engineering related experience OR a Masters in STEM with 6 years of related engineering experience OR a PhD in STEM with 4 years of related engineering experience
• Hands-on experience with application security and vulnerability management tools (e.g., SAST, DAST, container scanning, and vulnerability scanners).
• Familiarity with secure development lifecycle practices and configuration of DevOps/CI/CD pipelines.
• Ability to analyze scan results, identify vulnerabilities, and develop practical mitigation recommendations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing technical plans or reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (DevOps, suppliers, customer, security engineering).
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity OR Advanced degree in a relevant technical discipline.
• Direct experience with NIST guidance (e.g., NIST 8397) and PPP or equivalent program protection frameworks.
• Experience in software and firmware assurance for complex, multi-supplier systems.
• Prior involvement in code-signing implementation and secure build/deployment architectures.
• Experience on large government or defense programs, especially in system security or software assurance IPTs.
• Familiarity with containerized environments, infrastructure as code, and cloud-native security tooling.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or coordinate assurance activities across multiple teams and suppliers.

Thrive with Us

At Northrop Grumman we are invested in the growth and well-being off all our employees. We offer flexible work arrangements, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment.

Our Total Rewards Program offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts.

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.