Software Engineer 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. The Payload and Ground Systems, a division within Northrop Grumman's Space Systems Sector is known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, redefining engineering capabilities, and driving advances in various sciences through cutting-edge technology. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, and innovative technologies to develop, design, produce, and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission! Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Software Engineer to join our team in the Payload and Ground Systems Division Engineering organization supporting the Integrated National Systems (INS) Business Unit (BU) to support a Ground program related to space-based optical communications systems. The candidate will work on expanding proof of concept network simulation software to a more feature rich software product. The work will include complex algorithm development for software that contains logical and mathematical solutions to quantify and optimize operational decision-making and mission performance. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in analytic and scientific programming, and attributes that include collaboration, creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. The candidate should place a high value on rigorous testing, comprehensive documentation, and the maintainability of the software solutions. The candidate should expect to work in office in a collaborative environment with a team that includes atmospheric scientists and systems engineers. The selected candidate's tasks encompass the following: Designs, develops, documents, tests and debugs software and systems that contain logical and mathematical solutions Collaborates with systems engineers and/or hardware engineers in planning, design, and development Determines mission and user needs Analyzes system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls Regularly tests and revises software to ensure software alignment with strategic goals and customer expectations This position will be based at either our Fairfax Virginia, Linthicum Maryland, or Morrisville North Carolina sites. Compensation varies depending on location. This role/position is contingent upon contract award. Basic Qualifications: Must have an active U.S. Government DoD Secret security clearance at time of application Must be willing to obtain and maintain DoD TS/SCI security clearance and special program access Must be willing and able to favorably succeed a counterintelligence polygraph Minimum years of experience needed to be considered: 5 Years of relevant software experience with a completed Bachelor's degree 3 Years of relevant software experience with a completed Masters's degree 1 Years of relevant software experience with a completed PhD 3+ years of non-internship professional software development experience in Python Experience in software architecture design patterns A basic understanding of the network stack and associated network protocols Strong software engineering fundamentals Preferred Qualifications: Active TS/SCI or TS with SCI eligibility security clearance Favorably adjudicated polygraph (CI or FSP) Experience with developing or using containerized software Experience with DevOps fundamentals and the maintenance of software pipelines Experience with productizing software solutions To better support our employee's work/life balance, most NG worksites support a 9/80 work schedule. The 9/80 schedule allows employees to work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday and take every other Friday off. This schedule or other work-hour flexibility options can be determined upon hire. With us, you'll discover a culture of curiosity and collaboration that will have you Defining Possible from the day you start. Our space systems connect and protect millions of people on Earth every day, now and for the future. Explore your future and launch your career today.