Sr. Principal Engineer Software - Deputy Ground Software Lead

Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman · Aerospace · Chantilly, VA +1 · Software

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Sr. Principal Engineer Software to serve as a Deputy Ground Software Lead for satellite ground software development, integration, deployment, and sustainment. The role involves partnering with RTE, owning the bug-fix flow, using data to drive decisions, acting as a technical bridge, and supporting the Development Lead. Requires a Top Secret clearance and experience leading teams of 25+ engineers.

What you'd actually do

  1. Partner with the RTE – Help plan and run PI activities and keep the team on schedule.
  2. Own the bug‑fix flow – Triage defects, facilitate priority setting, and improve cycle‑time and predictability.
  3. Use data to drive decisions – Track team efficiency, defect metrics, and act on the insights.
  4. Be a technical bridge – Connect development teams with leadership and customers, and coach teams on SAFe and servant‑leadership.
  5. Support the Development Lead – Assist the Lead with strategic decisions, stakeholder communication, and process changes so the team runs smoothly and continues to deliver mission‑critical software.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Engineering and 8 years of experience, or Master's degree and 6 years, or PhD and 4 years (or 4 years additional experience in lieu of degree)
  • Experience with satellite operations
  • Ability to work on site daily
  • Basic understanding of DevSecOps and CI/CD pipeline
  • SAFe 5 or 6 Agilist/SM/PO or equivalent
  • Ability to execute with little to no guidance
  • Experience with customer interaction
  • Experience leading teams of 25+ engineers
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Current and active Top-Secret clearance

Nice to have

  • Proven track record of navigating unfamiliar or rapidly‑changing environments
  • Space Mission Planning Experience
  • Understanding of greater company goals with motivation to succeed
  • Ability to mentor junior engineers
  • Experience in a deputy lead role and an understanding of what that role entails.

What the JD emphasized

  • Must have a current and active Top-Secret clearance at the time of application