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Avionics Software Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer Location: Germantown, MD, US, 20876 Job ID: 115048 DRS RADA Technologies ... and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global ...

Software Engineer II

Germantown, MD · On-site

$91K - $119K/yr

... and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global ... Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Software Engineer II where you'll drive technical ...

Software Engineer II

Germantown, MD · On-site

$91K - $119K/yr

... and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global ... Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Software Engineer II where you'll drive technical ...

Senior Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

... and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global ... Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Senior Software Engineer where you'll drive technical ...

Senior Software Engineer

Germantown, MD · On-site

$107K - $144K/yr

... and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global ... Join our dynamic radar defense company as a Senior Software Engineer where you'll drive technical ...

... avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is ...

... avionics, and payloads, as well as the flight software, firmware and digital design solutions to support the entire hardware stack. Our focus is on first principles engineering, and our mandate is ...

Showing results 21-40

Avionics Software Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$55.5K

$126.1K

$192K

How much do avionics software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for avionics software engineer in Washington is $126,062.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,100.00 and $154,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What typical projects or responsibilities can an avionics software engineer expect in their daily work?

Avionics Software Engineers often design, develop, integrate, and test software for aircraft control systems, navigation, and communication modules. They regularly collaborate with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and quality assurance teams to ensure systems meet rigorous safety and reliability standards. Daily responsibilities may include coding embedded applications, troubleshooting software anomalies, participating in design reviews, and documenting compliance with industry regulations. The role offers a dynamic environment with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and contribute to the safety and performance of modern aircraft.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an avionics software engineer?

Avionics Software Engineers need a solid background in computer science, embedded systems, and aerospace engineering, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with programming languages like C/C++, MATLAB, and DO-178C certification or similar safety-critical development standards is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams are standout soft skills. These capabilities ensure the development of reliable, high-quality avionics software crucial for flight safety and system performance.

What does an avionics software engineer do?

An Avionics Software Engineer develops, tests, and maintains software systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. They work on embedded systems for flight control, navigation, communication, and other critical avionics functions. Their role involves ensuring software reliability, compliance with industry regulations, and integration with hardware components. They often use programming languages like C, C++, or Ada and follow safety standards such as DO-178C.

What job categories do people searching Avionics Software Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Avionics Software Engineer jobs in Washington are:
Infographic showing various Avionics Software Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,062 per year, or $60.6 per hour.

Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sterling, VA • On-site

$130K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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.
If forging a secure future excites you, look no further! Northrop Grumman's Space Sector provides an arena where your passion for innovation and quest for exploration are welcome. As an Embedded Software Engineer - Level 3 or 4, your role at Dulles, VA, will be pivotal in supporting mission-critical efforts to national and global security.
Ready to join forces with our visionary team?
This Embedded Software Engineer will join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in the Space Systems organization, developing space flight software platforms for National Space Security programs. The individual we seek will be self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented.
This work does require a TS/SCI clearance and will primarily be performed in a SCIF environment.
This position will work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off. This position is 100% onsite and cannot accommodate telecommute work.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Develop embedded software modules and have familiarity with data protocols including UART, Synchronous Serial, MIL-STD-1553, SPACEWIRE, SPI, discrete digital and analog IO, and others
  • Work with other disciplines to establish Flight-Software requirements, testing, and verification plan.
  • Develop and configure board support packages (BSPs) and integrate device drivers.
  • Performs trade studies via computer simulation or kits & development boards.
  • Work with multiple engineers to integrate spacecraft components and flight software with the simulation platform.
  • Be involved in the hardware definition and software design, development, debug and integration on simulation and hardware-in-the-loop platforms.
  • Analyze system resources to enhance efficiency, stability, and processing speed.
  • Prepare design documentation, analysis, test results and presentation materials for internal and external customers.
  • Work with software developers and other engineers, as needed, to help diagnose and identify the root cause of problems found during software installation, integration, acceptance test, and operational events.
  • Work in an innovative environment across diverse assignments and in collaborative team settings across all levels.
  • Other duties as assigned.

This position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company.
This position can be filled at either a Level 3 or a Level 4.
Basic Qualifications for Level 3:
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 5 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 1 year of relevant professional experience.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
  • Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.
  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices
  • Core affinity and parallel processing experience
  • Experience with understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing
  • Familiarity with Stellar or CFS
  • Demonstrable programming experience on Linux

Basic Qualifications for Level 4:
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM (Aerospace/Electrical/Computer/Software Engineering) with 8 years of relevant professional experience - OR - Master's degree with 6 years of relevant professional experience - OR - PhD with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope, at time of application [US citizenship required]
  • Advanced programming proficiency with C/C++, Python.
  • Understanding of common embedded system tools, real-time operating systems, and avionics integration and test practices
  • Core affinity and parallel processing experience
  • Experience with understanding the difference between concurrent and parallel processing
  • Familiarity with Stellar or CFS
  • Demonstrable programming experience on Linux

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Requires an active U.S. Government Top-Secret [TS] security clearance, current and within scope at time of application, with the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) approval/access within a reasonable amount of time [US citizenship required]
  • Experience with Yocto or Vulcan
  • System knowledge in one or more of the following domains: Spacecraft Command & Control, Mission Planning, Space Situational Awareness, and Visualization
  • Experience with Digital, Analog, RS-422 synchronous serial and UART, MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire electrical interfaces

Curious about all the exciting developments with the Northrop Grumman Space Sector? Click the link below:
https://www.northropgrumman.com/space
Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.
Northrop Grumman Total Rewards
Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00
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.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939