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Staff Engineer Software – X-Lab Chief SW Engineer (26-027)

Posted 1 day agoSoftware

Compensation

$161,000–$241,400/year

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Job Description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

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 Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Staff Engineer Software – X-Lab Chief Software Engineer (26-027) to join our team of talented and diverse professionals. Based at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels.

This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.

Position Overview:

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to plan ballistic missile defense operations systematically, monitor the battle collectively, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals. C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations globally and regionally to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate current and future missile defense system capabilities.

The candidate's primary duties include developing software, improving cross-team deployments, fixing bugs in a large codebase, and breaking down requirements to support verification and validation testing of software components. Additionally, the candidate will serve on the X-Lab Product Owner team, helping define Iteration Planning for the X-Lab Engineering teams to develop and test innovative solutions for X-Lab projects and experiments.

Essential Functions:

  • Must understand software engineering, design, development, and testing

  • Will possess experience in a related engineering environment, with experience and expertise in software development and testing

  • Ability to analyze high-level needs and, through a structured and logical approach, refine them into an integrated set of requirements that leads to a fielded product

  • Able to communicate effectively and clearly present technical approaches and findings. Able to write and implement engineering plans for a project

  • Must have experience with validating software deliverables

  • Must have experience developing software and be able to translate requirements into software design

  • Have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment

  • Primary work location is the Missile Defense Integration and Operations Center (MDIOC) at Schriever SFB, CO, with occasional support during off-duty hours

Basic Qualifications:

 

Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.

 

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 12 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 10 years of relevant work experience; or 16 years of relevant experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree

  • Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start with the eligibility to be cleared at TS/SCI

  • Willingness to travel up to 10% for business needs

  • Proven interaction in a team environment is a must

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A current, active in-scope DoD-issued Top Secret/SCI security clearance at the time of application is highly desired

  • Previous experience should demonstrate the technical skills and responsibilities for the position cited here

  • The X-Lab operates as a fast-paced, dynamic environment focused on developing cutting-edge prototypes for the Missile Defense System. Its work includes Sensor/Weapon Integration, Algorithm Development, User Interface Development, and other advanced missile defense technologies

  • Must be capable of working independently and leading tasks

  • A desirable candidate should be fluent in Linux environments and shell scripting languages such as Bash and Perl

  • Understand and have experience in C++ and Java

  • Be familiar with the basic concepts of the C2BMC suite architecture and scripted automation tools

  • Experience with various COTS and open-source products is preferred

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that fosters your growth, supporting both employees and the company's success. The benefits available at Northrop Grumman are flexible and customizable, allowing you to select options that best meet your needs and those of your family. Your benefits will include the following:

·         Health Plan

·         Savings Plan

·         Paid Time Off

·         Education Assistance

·         Training and Development

·         Flexible Work Arrangements

https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx

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Primary Level Salary Range: $161,000.00 - $241,400.00

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.
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Job Details

Category
Software
Employment Type
Full time
Location
Schriever AFB, CO, United States
Posted
Jan 14, 2026, 07:00 PM
Listed
Jan 15, 2026, 08:26 PM
Last updated
Jan 15, 2026, 10:27 PM
Compensation
$161,000 - $241,400 per year

About Northrop Grumman

Part of the growing space industry ecosystem pushing humanity toward interplanetary exploration.

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