Staff Virtual Simulation Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Melbourne, AUonsite$153k-$229k/yrPosted Jun 24, 2026

Skills

nextgenpythonc++javac#

About the role

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Top 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 note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Staff Virtual Simulation Software Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This role is located in Melbourne, FL.

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.

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.

Essential Functions:

Design and implement real-time, pilot-in-the-loop simulation software that enables requirements validation and mission-level evaluation of next-gen tactical aircraft

Create or adapt simulation frameworks and modules (e.g., airframe, kinematics, sensors, weapons, C2, threat models)

Partner with domain SMEs to translate aircraft/weapon physics into high-fidelity, real-time models and integrate them into the overall simulation

Integrate and use advanced GUIs and visualization tools

Model operational environments and perform trade studies via computer simulation resulting in recommendations for system architectures and configurations

Support the design and development of visualization models and databases for integration with a high-fidelity simulation environment

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.

Basic Qualifications:

Must have a Bachelor of science degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) discipline with 12 years of related experience, OR a Master of Science degree in a STEM discipline with 10 years of related experience, or a PhD in a STEM discipline and 8 years of related experience

Must have experience with computer/engineering software development using C++ (preferred), C#, Java or other object-oriented computer language

Your ability to transfer and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Top Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with real-time simulation/software development

Expertise in aircraft aero-performance, sensors, weapons, and/or communication systems

Experience with hardware/software integration, especially integration of aircraft hardware into a lab/simulation environment

Ability to translate physics/mathematics models into real-time simulation algorithms

Experience performing weapon system level design, integration, or test & evaluation

An understanding of Integrated Air Defense Systems and capabilities

An understanding of operational Command and Control systems and software

Experience leading software design teams or focus groups

Experience collaborating across diverse, multi-disciplined teams

Competent writing and communication skills

#Yellow

Primary Level Salary Range: $152,900.00 - $229,300.00

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.

Compensation

This Software Engineer role pays $153k-$229k/yr. Within typical range for software engineer roles in Australia.

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