Northrop Grumman UK
Principal Software Engineer

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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.
“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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
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


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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.
#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.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
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