Principal Software Engineer

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: YesRELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Define Possible at Northrop Grumman UK

What’s your possible?

At Northrop Grumman UK, you are part of a team driving innovation where it matters most – solving tomorrow’s challenges and shaping the technology solutions of the future. We call it Defining Possible.

This mindset goes beyond our customer solutions; it’s the foundation for your career development and the impact we have within the community.

Salary: £73,000 - £109,400

The Opportunity

This is more than just a job; it’s a mission.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and maintaining the critical infrastructure that powers our services. You will work on a variety of unique and complex projects, delivering core solutions that have real impact.

You will bring strong technical leadership, guiding teams through both technical and delivery challenges while shaping solutions that meet customer needs.

“My purpose is to lead a team of engineers, rise to the challenges presented, push the boundaries and define possible together.”
– Principal Software Manager, Northrop Grumman UK

What You’ll Do

• Take ownership of multiple teams’ deliverables and work with technical leads to define a path that meets customer requirements.
• Represent Northrop Grumman UK as the prime technical contact for your area.
• Collaborate with senior external partners and customers, often coordinating between organisations.
• Mentor and guide engineers to support skills development and overall team growth.
• Contribute to high‑quality technical design, development, and delivery planning.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience as a Software Engineer with strong capability in one or more of the following:
  • Backend development (Java Spring Boot, Maven, Python)
  • Frontend development (JavaScript/TypeScript, React, npm)
• Proven experience designing, developing, and deploying scalable backend systems.
• Familiarity with DevOps, CI/CD and containerisation technologies (Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills, ideally within an agile environment.

If you don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Talent, mindset, and potential matter to us.

Security Clearance

Due to the nature of our work, you must be British National for this clearance type.
You must currently hold the Highest Level of  UK Government security clearance.

Our recruitment team is on hand to support you and guide you through the process: [email protected]

Benefits

• Flexible working options, including an optional compressed fortnight
• Private healthcare
• Cash health plan
• Holiday buy/sell scheme
• Career development programmes and ongoing specialist training
• Performance‑based bonuses
• A range of wellbeing, financial, and lifestyle benefits

Why Join Us?

A Mission to Believe In

Every day, we contribute to building a more secure and connected world across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. The work we do together matters.

A Place to Belong and Thrive

Every voice matters. We are proud of our inclusive community and our partnerships with organisations championing diversity, mental health, and veteran careers. You can bring your authentic self to work and thrive here.

Your Career, Your Way

Shape your career with diverse opportunities, mentoring, training programmes, and the flexibility to balance work and life. Your professional growth and wellbeing are at the heart of our culture.

Ready to Apply?

Yes – Submit your application online.
Possibly – Contact our team to learn more: [email protected]
No – Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.

#SOFT-ENG-DEVOPS

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.