RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available<br/><br/>CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes<br/><br/>CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret<br/><br/>TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time<strong><b>Description</b></strong><br/><br/><b>Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation. </b><br/><br/><b>Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems</b> has an opening for a <b>Principal</b><b>Virtual Simulation Software Engineer </b>to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within our Systems Engineering organization. This role is located in <b>Melbourne, FL</b>. <br/><br/>The Virtual Simulation Team's mission is to provide our warfighter customer with a realistic aircraft simulation and tactical environment to assess operational suitability and develop preliminary concepts of employment. In this role, you will be responsible for developing and modifying software for use in pilot-in-the-loop simulation of combat weapons systems employment.<br/><br/>The simulation software is primarily written in C++ along with some applications in other high level programming languages (Java, Python, etc.). The Virtual Simulation lab supports a relatively small, close-knit team of 14 software developers, 4 lab engineers, and 10-12 other regular users. This highly dynamic work environment requires software engineers with a diverse set of complementing skills, commitment to the small team dynamic, and a strong desire to learn new skills.<br/><br/><b>Essential Functions:</b><br/><ul><li>Design and implement real-time, pilot-in-the-loop simulation software that enables requirements validation and mission-level evaluation of next-gen tactical aircraft</li><li>Create or adapt simulation frameworks and modules (e.g., airframe, kinematics, sensors, weapons, C2, threat models)</li><li>Partner with domain SMEs to translate aircraft/weapon physics into high-fidelity, real-time models and integrate them into the overall simulation</li><li>Model operational environments and perform trade studies via computer simulation resulting in recommendations for system architectures and configurations</li><li>Support the design and development of visualization models and databases for integration with a high-fidelity simulation environment</li></ul><br/><br/>We offer flexible work arrangements, 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off, phenomenal learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-directed professionals who thrive in collaborative environments.<br/><br/><b>Basic Qualifications: </b><br/><ul><li>Must have a Bachelors degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience</li><li>Must have previous experience in computer/engineering software development using C++ (preferred), C#, Java or other object-oriented computer language</li><li>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).</li><li>Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.</li></ul><br/><br/><b>Preferred Qualifications: </b><br/><ul><li>Experience with real-time simulation/software development</li><li>Experience with hardware/software integration, especially integration of aircraft hardware into a lab/simulation environment</li><li>Ability to translate physics/mathematics models into real-time simulation algorithms</li><li>An understanding of tactical aircraft aero-performance, sensors, weapons, and/or communication systems</li><li>An understanding of Integrated Air Defense Systems and capabilities</li><li>An understanding of operational Command and Control systems and software</li><li>Experience working with a team in a rapid prototyping environment</li><li>Experience performing weapon system level design, integration, and/or test & evaluation</li></ul><br/><br/>Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.