Staff Ground Software Architect – Space Ground Systems AHT
Northrop Grumman1 month ago
McLean, VA, USAStaff+
Base Salary
$177k - $266k/yr
Responsibilities
- Lead software architecture and technical design for ground systems supporting space missions.
- Define, document, and evolve end-to-end architectures, services, interfaces, data flows, and mission-segment integrations.
- Lead requirements analysis, architecture, implementation, code reviews, testing, deployment, and sustainment across the software lifecycle.
- Integrate emerging cloud, containerization, orchestration, automation, and observability technologies into mission systems.
- Collaborate with systems engineering, ground operations, cybersecurity, hardware, and test teams on system integration and enhancements.
- Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and career guidance to software engineers.
- Develop and present technical documentation, briefings, trade studies, and analyses of performance, cost, risk, and supportability.
- Drive modern software practices, tooling, automation, verification, and validation while balancing technical, schedule, and cost constraints.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and 12+ years of relevant software experience, or a master’s degree and 10+ years, or a PhD and 8+ years.
- Strong software development and software architecture background for complex systems.
- Working knowledge of Python, C/C++, and Java or comparable modern programming languages.
- Experience across the software development lifecycle and with Agile software development practices.
- Prior technical leadership experience such as tech lead, lead engineer, or architect.
- Experience with Linux development, Bash or other shell scripting, Docker or Podman, Kubernetes or similar orchestration systems, and industry-standard configuration-management and CI/CD tools.
- Active DoD Top Secret clearance at application, with ability to obtain and maintain required special program access.
- Ability to work onsite full-time in McLean, Virginia, in a secure environment.
- Preferred qualifications include TS/SCI and current or recent program access; a master’s or higher in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field; and experience with Rhapsody, Cameo, Eclipse, Jira, Bitbucket, Confluence, Crucible, Bamboo, VirtualBox, QEMU, KVM, or VMware.
- Preferred experience includes leading Northrop Grumman engineering personnel, overseeing software architecture, interacting with customers and mission operators, and growing engineering teams.
Benefits
- Primary base salary range is $177,000.00–$265,600.00 annually.
- Benefits include health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off.
- Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.
- Relocation assistance may be available.
- The role requires full-time onsite work in McLean, Virginia, a Top Secret clearance, and approximately 10% travel.
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman designs and manufactures aircraft, spacecraft, missile defense, C4ISR, and cyber systems for the U.S. government, NASA, and allied nations. The company operates primarily through long-term defense and space contracts, delivering products and services spanning autonomous systems, sensors, software, and sustainment. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, it is a public company listed on the NYSE (ticker: NOC).