Principal Software Engineer - Java

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Software Engineer - Java to join its on-site software teams in California, with opportunities to work in either San Diego or El Segundo. The role centers on delivering Java and JEE enterprise solutions within an Agile environment, and it requires a Top Secret clearance. This position emphasizes collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and supports a fast-paced, high-expectation setting on-site.

The following details provide an overview of what this role entails and the qualifications needed to succeed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within cross-functional teams including Systems Engineering, Cloud & Application, Test Automation, DevSecOps, and Systems Test in an Agile software development setting.
• Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from prototype and GUI design through build, test, and release.
• Apply object-oriented programming, design patterns, JMS, Web Services, XML, and related technologies (XPath, XSLT, XSD) to enterprise solutions.
• Develop Java Enterprise Edition (JEE) solutions within a SOA environment.
• Contribute in a process-driven development lifecycle across the software lifecycle and collaborate regularly with team members.

Requirements

• Education options: a Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field with 5 years of related engineering experience; or a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of experience; or a PhD in a STEM field with 1 year of experience.
• Prior leadership experience in agile development, including roles such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, or team member in an Agile environment.
• Experience with the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Proficiency in Agile software development, object-oriented architecture and programming, software integration, and testing.
• Proficiency in Java, Java microservices, and GUI applications.
• Experience with at least two of the following languages: Python, Go, C++, C#, PowerShell, VBScript, Bash, or KornShell.
• Experience with Cloud technologies and service providers.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access required, within a reasonable time.
• Ability to obtain and maintain initial SAP/PAR, prior to employment, with the possibility of upgrade once in role.

Technologies

• Java, Java Enterprise Edition (JEE), JMS, Web Services, XML, XPath, XSLT, XSD
• GUI, Java microservices, Python, Go, C++, C#, PowerShell, VBScript, Bash, KornShell
• Kubernetes, Amazon ECS, Docker Swarm, Nomad, Red Hat OpenShift
• Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch
• Data Distribution Service (DDS), UML, SQL/NoSQL, JIRA, SonarQube

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Long Term Incentives
• Discretionary bonus
• Annual bonuses

Relocation

• Relocation assistance may be available

Clearance

• Clearance required for start: Yes
• Clearance type: Top Secret
• Requires ability to obtain and maintain SAP/PAR before start and upgraded within role as needed

Travel

• Travel: Yes, 25% of the time

The role is anchored in a culture that values bold ideas, collaboration, and hands-on impact across generations. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment with diverse assignments and strong cross-team interaction, all while supporting on-site operations with potential travel as needed.