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Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret)

Northrop Grumman
Be an Early ApplicantFull Timesenior
United States-California-Redondo Beach$114k – $171kPosted Today

Role Overview

Northrop Grumman is hiring a senior-level Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret). This is a full-time role in United States-California-Redondo Beach. Part of Northrop Grumman's Embedded hiring, posted today. The posted range is $114k to $171k; applications are still in the early window, before most candidates have applied. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.

Salary Context

This role offers $114k-$171k. The median for Senior-level Embedded roles is $140k-$180k (based on 66 listings). 11% below median.

Resume Keywords to Include

Make sure these keywords appear in your resume to improve ATS scoring

JavaLinuxgRPCAgileORBenefitsRELOCATIONASSISTANCE

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

*Please be aware that this position will be contingent upon capturing program award(s), obtaining and maintaining customer and/or business funding, and holding final clearances prior to start date.*
 

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret) to join our team of highly qualified, diverse professionals within the Western Region Software Engineering Directorate. This position is located onsite in Redondo Beach, CA.
 

The job responsibilities of the Embedded Software Engineer – Level 3 or 4 include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Design, develop, document, integrate, test, and debug software solutions for end‑user customers
  • Support the architecture, development, and lifecycle management of embedded and real‑time systems.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams—including Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, Hardware, and Integration & Test—within an Agile development environment.
  • Analyze system capabilities to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to program intent, output requirements, data acquisition, programming methods, and control strategies.
  • Selected candidate will work in a fast-paced lab environment with rapid development
     

*Please be aware that this position will be contingent upon capturing program award(s), obtaining and maintaining customer and/or business funding, and holding final clearances prior to start date.*
 

This requisition may be filled at a higher grade based on the qualifications listed below.
 

Basic Qualifications – Embedded Software Engineer (Level 3):

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5+ years of software development experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 3+ years of stated experience or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 1+ year of stated experience
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, executing in an embedded Linux or RTOS environment (i.e., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RT-Linux, GH Integrity)
  • Proficiency in Java programming, executing in an application environment
  • Proficiency in Object Oriented programming
  • Prior work experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
  • Prior work experience in developing and debugging embedded real-time systems

Basic Qualifications – Embedded Software Engineer (Level 4):

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8+ years of software development experience or Master's degree in a STEM discipline with 6+ years of stated experience or Ph.D. in a STEM discipline with 4+ years of stated experience
  • Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance required at the time of application
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, executing in an embedded Linux or RTOS environment (i.e., VxWorks, FreeRTOS, RT-Linux, GH Integrity)
  • Proficiency in Java programming, executing in an application environment
  • Proficiency in Object Oriented programming
  • Prior work experience integrating low-level firmware and software in complex real-time multi-threaded embedded applications
  • Prior work experience in developing and debugging embedded real-time systems

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Software Defined Networks
    • Data Plane protocols such as Ethernet, IPv4 and IPv6, MPLS, TCP/UDP and other transport protocols
    • Control Plane protocols such as OSPF/IS-IS, BGP, ICMP
    • SDN architectures and protocols such as P4, gRPC/gNMI, Openflow
    • Network management architectures and protocols such as SNMP/MIBs, NETCONF/YANG
  • Familiarity with Xilinx tools (Vitis, Vivado, Petalinux)
  • Recent Experience with Xilinx platforms (Ultrascale+ MPSoC or VERSAL)
  • Familiarity with Linux kernel driver development/modifications
  • Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret clearance and/or SCI Access

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

About Northrop Grumman

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Northrop Grumman

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for the Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret) position at Northrop Grumman?

Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Northrop Grumman. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.

Where is the Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret) position at Northrop Grumman located?

This position is based in United States-California-Redondo Beach. Northrop Grumman has not indicated remote or hybrid options for this role, so candidates should plan for on-site work.

How much does the Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret) role at Northrop Grumman pay?

Northrop Grumman has posted a compensation range of $114k to $171k for this position. Final offers typically vary based on candidate experience, location, and internal salary bands.

When was the Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret) role at Northrop Grumman posted?

This role was posted on July 22, 2026 (today). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.

How much experience does the Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4 (Active Secret) role at Northrop Grumman require?

This is a senior-level position. Most senior roles call for 5+ years of directly relevant experience. Northrop Grumman lists their specific requirements in the description below, so review the must-have qualifications closely before applying.

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