Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4 (AHT)

About the role

Northrop Grumman's Space Sector is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4 to join the Space Systems organization in Dulles, VA. This role joins a team developing space vehicle hardware-in-the-loop simulation platforms for large and small space programs. These high-fidelity test platforms provide a hardware/software facsimile of space vehicle component interfaces to flight processors for flight software and mission development and qualification. The candidate will be part of a small design team supporting various programs such as National Security Space systems, NASA space science missions, and communication satellites.

Responsibilities

• Establish simulation requirements for hardware in the loop platforms
• Select off-the-shelf or design interface hardware to simulate space vehicle components (actuators, sensors, and payloads)
• Develop simulation software models and software interfaces to simulation hardware cards, including digital, analog, serial, and SpaceWire
• Define simulation testbed harnessing based on the space vehicle flight harness and simulation requirements
• Interface with hardware engineers in the design, build, and test of the simulation platforms
• Implement software control of simulation platform test equipment
• Develop and execute simulation certification loop back testing
• Work with program engineers to integrate components and flight software with the simulation platform
• Use common lab equipment (oscilloscopes, break out boxes, multimeters, interface analyzers) for debug and problem resolution
• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications – Level 3 (Principal)

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with a minimum of 5 years of embedded software experience – OR – Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 3 years of embedded software experience – OR PhD degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 1 year of embedded software experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access; approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe as determined by the company to meet business needs
• US Citizenship required
• Diverse programming experience: C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams
• Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous integration
• Experience with software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git
• Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management

Basic Qualifications – Level 4 (Sr Principal)

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with a minimum of 8 years of embedded software experience – OR – Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 6 years of embedded software experience – OR PhD degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering, or another related STEM discipline with 4 years of embedded software experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access; approval must be obtained within a reasonable timeframe as determined by the company to meet business needs
• US Citizenship required
• Diverse programming experience: C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in small teams
• Understanding of waterfall, spiral and/or Agile software development processes and continuous integration
• Experience with software revision control tools such as Subversion and Git
• Ability to clearly document technical and programmatic status to management

Preferred Qualifications

• Active/Current TS/SCI
• System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness and Visualization
• 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
• Experience with or awareness of earned value management
• Experience working closely with and/or leading cross departmental teams
• Experience with closed loop simulations
• Advanced proficiency in software development using C/C++, Python, Windows/Linux scripting
• Experience developing software in a Linux OS environment
• Experience with National Instruments data acquisition cards and National Instruments proprietary software
• Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces

Pay & Schedule

• This position is 100% onsite in Dulles, VA and cannot accommodate telecommute work
• 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
• Level 3 salary range: $114,000 – $171,000
• Level 4 salary range: $142,200 – $213,400
• Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay
• Annual bonuses designed to reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results
• Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business