Simulation Software Engineer Level 3 or 4
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 18, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 26, 2026. Northrop Grumman scores A on the Alion truth index.
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.We have an opening for a Simulation Software Engineer Level 3 or 4 to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization developing space simulation software for NSS space programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented. This position will be in Dulles, VA. This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment.
In this role you will (based on need):
Establish simulation requirements.
Plan, organize and be involved in the full software lifecycle to develop spacecraft simulation software using modern tools and software best practices.
Develop spacecraft component models from hardware documentation to support modeling and simulation activities across multiple projects.
Work with other engineering disciplines to integrate and validate space vehicle models and simulations.
Develop new and/or integrate existing system simulation frameworks.
Support simulated real-time operations, operational analysis and mission effectiveness analysis.
Develop and integrate advanced graphical user interfaces and visualization tools.
Model Thermosphere and Exosphere environments.
Performs trade studies via computer simulation and recommend alternative architectures.
Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
This position can be hired as a Principal Engineer (level 3) or a Sr. Principal Engineer (level 4) depending on experience.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled as a Principal (level 3) or Sr Principal (level 4) depending on experience and qualifications
Basic Qualifications (Principal Simulation Software Engineer):
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience, Master's degree and 3 years of experience, or PhD in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or closely related field.
Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope. [US citizenship required]
Advanced programming proficiency with: C/C++, Python.
Advanced programming proficiency with Matlab/Simulink, Windows/Linux scripting.
Solid communication and teamwork skills.
Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous development / continuous integration practices.
Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and/or Git.
Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management.
Basic Qualifications (Sr. Principal Simulation Software Engineer):
Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, or PhD and 4 years of experience, in Software/Electrical/Computer/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related field.
Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)[TS/SCI] at time of application, current and within scope. [US citizenship required]
Diverse 3D graphics development, using OpenSceneGraph, OpenGL or similar.
Advanced programming experience with: C/C++, Python.
Diverse programming proficiency: Matlab/Simulink, Windows/Linux scripting.
Solid communication and teamwork skills.
Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous development / continuous integration practice.
Ability to use software revision control tools such as Subversion and/or Git.
Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management.
Preferred Qualifications:
System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness.
Ability to develop and use simulation models of sensors, actuators and space environments to demonstrate closed-loop spacecraft system performance and general integration and test of aerospace systems.
Understanding of Jenkins, Jira (Agile, Scrum and Kanban), Bitbucket and related DevSecOps tools.
Hardware interfacing, integration and test and controls experience.
Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems and avionics integration and test practices.
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management.
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Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00The 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.