2026 Associate/ Embedded Software Engineer

About the Role

As an Embedded Software Engineer – Level 1/2 at Northrop Grumman's Space Sector in Dulles, VA, you will play a pivotal role in supporting mission-critical efforts for national and global security by developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. This position is 100% onsite and follows a 9/80 schedule.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop embedded software modules.
• Familiarity with data protocols including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO, and others.
• Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing, and verification plans.
• Perform trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.
• Integrate spacecraft components and flight software with simulation platforms.
• Participate in hardware definition and software design, development, debug, and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
• Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
• Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results, and presentation materials.
• Diagnose and identify root causes of problems during software installation, integration, acceptance testing, and operational events.
• Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Clearance Required: Yes
• Clearance Type: Top Secret
• Travel: Yes, 10% of the time
• Citizenship: US citizenship required
• Programming Languages: Advanced proficiency with C/C++, Python.
• Embedded Systems: Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices.
• Processing: Core affinity and parallel processing experience; experience understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing.
• Operating Systems: Demonstrable programming experience on Linux.

Qualifications

Level 1

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 0 years of relevant professional experience, OR Master’s degree.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Level 2

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 2 years of relevant professional experience, OR Master’s degree.
• GPA of 3.0 or above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Top-Secret / SCI clearance.
• System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness, and Visualization.
• Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces.
• GPA of 3.5 or above.

Relocation assistance may be available.