Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software Engineer

Full-Time 80200 - 120400 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Northrop Grumman

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative software projects and mentor a dynamic team of engineers.
  • Company: Join Northrop Grumman UK, a leader in technology solutions.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, private healthcare, career development, and performance bonuses.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture with diverse opportunities for growth and wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure and shape the future of technology.
  • Qualifications: Experience in software engineering with strong backend or frontend skills.

The predicted salary is between 80200 - 120400 £ per year.

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

TRAVEL: 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: 80,200 - 120,400

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.

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: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com

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: talentenquiries@uk.ngc.com
  • No – Explore other opportunities with us. We’re growing across the UK.

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.

Summary Location: United Kingdom-London Type: Full time

Principal Software Engineer employer: Northrop Grumman

At Northrop Grumman UK, we are not just offering a job; we are providing a mission-driven environment where innovation meets purpose. As a Project Manager in our Cyber & Intelligence business, you will thrive in a collaborative culture that values every voice and supports your career growth through mentorship and diverse opportunities. With flexible working options, private healthcare, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you will be part of a team making a real-world impact while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.

Northrop Grumman

Contact Details:

Northrop Grumman Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Software Engineer

Backend Development (Java Spring Boot, Maven, Python)
Frontend Development (JavaScript/TypeScript, React, npm)
Designing Scalable Backend Systems
DevOps
CI/CD
Containerisation Technologies (Jenkins, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS)
Technical Leadership