Principal Software Engineer
// Role Summary
Join Northrop Grumman UK as a Software Engineer, supporting advanced national security and defence systems in an operations and maintenance role. You will maintain critical capabilities, troubleshoot complex issues, and contribute to mission success in a dynamic environment.
// Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and enhance mission-critical defence and national security systems.
- Respond to real-time technical challenges and system anomalies.
- Develop software, scripts, and process improvements for operational effectiveness.
- Work within a shift-based environment including occasional 12-hour shifts and on-call duties.
- Requires sole UK nationality and current highest level of UK Government security clearance.
- Travel up to 25% of the time may be required.
// Role Specification
Software Engineer - Operations & Maintenance
Northrop Grumman UK is seeking a Software Engineer to join our Operations and Maintenance team. You will be instrumental in supporting advanced national security and defence systems, playing a crucial role in maintaining mission-critical capabilities. This role involves responding to complex technical challenges in real time and ensuring operational readiness.
Our business delivers innovative, reliable aerospace and defence solutions globally. As part of this team, you will work on systems that directly contribute to mission success, collaborating with a diverse range of engineers, operators, and technical specialists in a dynamic operational environment. This position offers a unique combination of software engineering, systems operations, and technical problem-solving, ideal for those who thrive at the intersection of technology and mission delivery.
What You'll Do:
- Monitor system and subsystem performance, analyze operational data, and produce status and performance reports.
- Investigate, diagnose, and respond to system anomalies to ensure high levels of mission readiness and service availability.
- Develop and implement software, scripts, and process improvements to enhance system performance and operational effectiveness.
- Support system reconfigurations, mode changes, and non-routine operational activities.
- Review, update, and improve standard operating procedures, technical documentation, and redundancy management processes.
- Participate in continuous learning, technical training, and advanced development programs to maintain and expand core engineering skills.
- Work within a shift-based operational environment, supporting critical systems through occasional 12-hour shifts, weekends, and on-call activities as required.
What We're Looking For:
- A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) with relevant technical or engineering experience.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills within complex technical environments.
- Ability to lead technical discussions, provide briefings, and confidently communicate recommendations to stakeholders.
- Experience contributing to or leading projects and teams in demanding operational or engineering environments.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to thrive within multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable Experience:
- Previous experience in operations engineering, systems engineering, or software engineering roles.
- Experience working with Linux operating systems.
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python, Perl, or similar.
- Experience using Atlassian tools including Jira and Confluence.
- Experience working within geographically dispersed teams and matrix organisations.
- Exposure to aerospace, defence, mission systems, cyber, or other highly regulated industries.
Security Clearance:
Due to the nature of our work, you must be a sole UK national and currently hold the highest level of UK Government security clearance in line with the job role and requirements. Relocation assistance may be available.
Travel Requirement: Yes, up to 25% of the Time.