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Missile Control System Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$175K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A ... Experience with software development tools, version control systems, and continuous integration ...

System Software Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$171K - $203K/yr

Strong proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Assembly. * Experience working in DAL A ... Experience with software development tools, version control systems, and continuous integration ...

System Software Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$142K - $263K/yr

Description The Cloud OS System Software Team is looking for an exceptional software engineer to build and integrate software to orchestrate workloads across highly performant and energy efficient ...

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Missile Control System Software Engineer information

See salary details

$61K

$108.8K

$175.5K

How much do missile control system software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for missile control system software engineer in the United States is $108,776.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a missile control system software engineer do?

A Missile Control System Software Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains the software used to control and guide missiles. Their work involves creating algorithms for navigation, targeting, and system diagnostics, as well as ensuring the software integrates seamlessly with missile hardware. They collaborate with other engineers to ensure the software meets strict safety, reliability, and performance standards, often working within the defense or aerospace industry. These engineers typically use languages like C, C++, and Ada, and must adhere to rigorous security and quality protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a missile control system software engineer?

To thrive as a Missile Control System Software Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering, experience with embedded systems, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with programming languages like C/C++, real-time operating systems, and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this high-stakes environment. These competencies ensure the development of reliable, secure, and precise missile control systems vital for national defense and mission success.

What are some common challenges faced by missile control system software engineers, and how are they addressed within the team?

Missile Control System Software Engineers often encounter challenges related to developing highly reliable and secure software that must function flawlessly under extreme conditions. These engineers must rigorously test code to meet strict safety and performance standards, often working with classified or proprietary systems. Collaboration with hardware engineers, systems engineers, and quality assurance teams is essential to address integration issues and ensure compliance with defense regulations. Regular code reviews, simulations, and joint troubleshooting sessions are standard practices to mitigate risks and maintain system integrity.

What is the difference between Missile Control System Software Engineer vs Missile Systems Engineer?

AspectMissile Control System Software EngineerMissile Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and maintaining missile control softwareDesigning and integrating missile system components
Required SkillsEmbedded programming, real-time systems, control algorithmsSystems integration, hardware-software interface, system testing
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams within defense or aerospace companiesMultidisciplinary teams involving hardware, software, and systems engineering
CertificationsSecurity clearances, software engineering certificationsEngineering licenses, security clearances

The Missile Control System Software Engineer primarily focuses on developing and maintaining the software that controls missile operations, emphasizing embedded systems and control algorithms. In contrast, the Missile Systems Engineer has a broader role in designing and integrating entire missile systems, including hardware and software components. Both roles often require security clearances and engineering certifications, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Missile Control System Software Engineer jobs?

For Missile Control System Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Missile Control System Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,776 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer - ENT (26-266)

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

Northrop Grumman
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop and modify software systems and applications based on specifications.

  • Analyze, troubleshoot, and support complex software products, including debugging and operational integration.

  • Collaborate with the Systems Engineering team to decompose system requirements, develop use cases, and update system interfaces.


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 372 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: No 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. Northrop Grumman Space Systems-Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Software Engineer - ENT (26-266) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals.

Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels. This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options

Position Overview: The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program is a key component of the Missile Defense System. It is a vital operational system that enables the U.S. president, the secretary of defense, and combatant commanders at strategic, regional, and operational levels to systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations, collectively monitor the battle, and dynamically control networked sensors and weapon systems to achieve global and regional mission goals

C2BMC supports layered missile defense capabilities that enable an optimized response to threats across all ranges and flight phases. It serves as a force multiplier by networking, integrating, and synchronizing autonomous sensor and weapon systems and operations, both globally and regionally, to improve performance. C2BMC is essential for all ground and flight tests that verify and demonstrate the current and future capabilities of missile defense systems.

Essential Functions: Will be responsible for software systems engineering products for their Scrum Team, including the development of software products Responsible for in-depth analysis and technical support for systems software products, including complex problem resolution, design, development, testing, operational integration, and user support Systems Engineering support for the team that maintains, debugs, and configures related software products Works from specifications to develop or modify operating system applications Assists with the design, coding, benchmark testing, debugging, and documentation of programs Work with SEIT organization to decompose system requirements into well-defined software-level requirements Work with SEIT organization to drive system use cases, CONOPS, and sequences Work with SEIT organization to develop or update system external interfaces Author or assist with proposals Perform software design - software product-level use cases and sequences Create and maintain software design - Algorithm Design Documents and Functional Design Documents This position can be filled by a Systems Engineer with background or experience in Software Development, or by a Software Engineer with Systems Engineering experience or training and a desire to support the Systems Engineering V for the Software Development Team Basic Qualifications: Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable. A Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering, System Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 5 years of experience; or a Master's degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 9 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree Applicants must have a current, active in-scope DoD-issued Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start +In-depth understanding of the systems engineering process and principles Proven track record of applying systems engineering principles to develop product solutions Experience working in an integrated team environment with other systems, software, and specialty engineers to develop solutions Candidates should have experience developing large, complex systems Software development experience with applications Working knowledge of systems engineering artifacts (e.g., specifications, Interface Control Documents, Use Cases, System Architecture Descriptions, Trade Studies, etc.) Use of common software development and management tools such as Git, Nexus, JIRA, Confluence, Maven, Gradle, and Eclipse Understanding of standard systems engineering design artifacts such as Use Cases and SysML diagrams Preferred Qualifications: Experience in one or more of the following areas is desired: Command and control system application development Experience with automated testing and pipeline development is desired Experience developing software for Unix/Linux and Windows Experience with software integration testing, including developing automated test scripts Strong problem-solving skills Experience with performance modeling Experience with build management tools and pipelines Prior C2BMC experience Experience working within an Agile development environment, domain experience in both Space and Missile Defense, and experience with Systems Analysis, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Architecture development, Virtualization, Containerization, and Cloud Computing principles Demonstrated experience leading large, multi-site software development efforts, including external interface development Demonstrated experience conducting or leading Analysis of Alternatives, Trade Studies, and/or Design Evaluations Experience designing large command-and-control and/or weapon systems Experience in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and MBSE tools The successful candidate will have strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work independently, and the flexibility required to work in a highly dynamic environment What We Can Offer You: Northrop Grumman offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that fosters your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, allowing you to choose options that meet your individual and family needs

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan Savings Plan Paid Time Off Education Assistance Training and Development Flexible Work Arrangements https://benefits.northropgrumman.com/us/en2/BenefitsOverview/Pages/default.aspx #NGSpace #COSpace #NGFeaturedJobs #C2BMC Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00 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