Principal Engineer Software (avionics)

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Melbourne, FL +1 · Software

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Engineer Software with expertise in avionics and safety-critical systems. The role involves the full software development lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, integration, and maintenance, with a focus on adherence to standards like DO-178C. Experience with C/C++, RTOS, and avionics communication protocols is required. The position also requires obtaining and maintaining a DoD Secret security clearance.

What you'd actually do

  1. Independently design, implement, test, and maintain software throughout the lifecycle while adhering to specified requirements and standards.
  2. Collaborate within teams to integrate software solutions with other system components.
  3. Utilize technical knowledge to contribute to solutions for complex software problems.
  4. Analyze, collect, and report software metrics to ensure product quality and adherence to performance standards.
  5. Participate in software working groups and support discussions with customers as required.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of experience, a Master’s degree with 3 years of experience, or a Ph.D. with relevant software engineering experience.
  • Solid understanding of object-oriented programming languages, including C/C++.
  • Familiarity and development experience on Windows, Linux, and RTOS like LynxOS or VxWorks
  • Experience with aviation software development or safety-critical systems, demonstrating an understanding of the nuances associated with safety-critical software development.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance. Interim DoD secret ok to start.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain any special program clearances as required.

Nice to have

  • Evidence of experience with standards for safety-critical software development, such as DO-178C.
  • Specialist knowledge of avionics communication protocols, specifically ARINC 429, ARINC 422, and MIL-STD-1553.
  • Experience in testing methodologies pertinent to avionics systems, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing.
  • Knowledge of certification processes for aviation software standards, including RTCA/DO-178 for software.
  • Proven capacity to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and demonstrate effective communication skills in technical discussions.
  • Comfort with agile development tools such as the GitLab tool suite, including proficiency with version control systems like Git.
  • Proficient in creating and maintaining comprehensive software documentation throughout the development lifecycle.
  • A current DoD Top Secret level security clearance is preferred.

What the JD emphasized

  • Secret
  • Secret security clearance
  • safety-critical systems
  • DO-178C
  • ARINC 429
  • ARINC 422
  • MIL-STD-1553
  • hardware-in-the-loop (HIL)
  • software-in-the-loop (SIL)