Senior Principal Software Engineer – Virtual Simulation

Northrop Grumman

Developing and modifying software for aircraft simulation at Northrop Grumman. Joining a team focused on delivering high-fidelity simulation software for military applications.

Posted 6/10/2026full-timeMelbourne • Florida • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $122,800 - $184,200 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Java

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and implement real-time, pilot-in-the-loop simulation software that enables requirements validation and mission-level evaluation of next-gen tactical aircraft
Create or adapt simulation frameworks and modules (e.g., airframe, kinematics, sensors, weapons, C2, threat models)
Partner with domain SMEs to translate aircraft/weapon physics into high-fidelity, real-time models and integrate them into the overall simulation
Integrate and use advanced GUIs and visualization tools
Model operational environments and perform trade studies via computer simulation resulting in recommendations for system architectures and configurations
Support the design and development of visualization models and databases for integration with a high-fidelity simulation environment

Requirements

What you’ll need

Must have a Bachelors degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience
Must have experience with computer/engineering software development using C++ (preferred), C#, Java or other object-oriented computer language
Must have an active US Government Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Benefits

Comp & perks

health insurance coverage
life and disability insurance
savings plan
company paid holidays
paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
flexible work arrangements
9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

C++C#Javasimulation softwarereal-time modelingrequirements validationmission-level evaluationcomputer simulationvisualization modelstrade studies

Certifications

US Government Top Secret clearanceSpecial Access Program (SAP) clearance