Software Development Analyst – UI Automated Test Engr (26-113)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Software Development Analyst – UI Automated Test Engineer (26-113)

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Quality Assurance / Testing Operations

Date Posted: May 06, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years (Mid-Level)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the development and implementation of a robust automated test framework for the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) User Interface (UI) product suite.

• Execute software development tasks utilizing Java, C++, and Python, with a specific focus on enhancing the C2BMC UI.

• Develop and maintain automated test scripts, leveraging Python and modern testing frameworks to ensure comprehensive test coverage.

• Collaborate within an Agile development environment, contributing to the continuous integration and delivery of high-quality software solutions.

• Uphold rigorous security standards through the maintenance of an active DoD Secret clearance and adherence to DoD 8140 certification requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the critical Missile Defense Integration sector, specifically supporting the C2BMC program. The emphasis on UI automation, coupled with core development in Java, C++, and Python, indicates a hybrid role requiring both strong testing capabilities and foundational software engineering skills. The requirement for a Secret clearance and DoD 8140 certification highlights the sensitive nature of the work and the need for compliance within the defense industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement a comprehensive automated test framework specifically tailored for the C2BMC User Interface (UI) product suite, ensuring scalability and maintainability.

• Write, execute, and maintain automated test scripts using Python, focusing on functional, integration, and regression testing of the C2BMC UI.

• Contribute to the core software development lifecycle by performing software development tasks in Java, C++, and Python for the C2BMC UI.

• Collaborate closely with development teams to understand feature requirements, identify potential testing gaps, and integrate automated tests into the CI/CD pipeline.

• Assist in the design and execution of test plans, test cases, and test procedures to validate UI functionality, performance, and user experience.

• Troubleshoot and debug issues identified during automated testing, providing detailed reports and working with developers to resolve defects.

• Maintain and enhance existing test automation scripts and frameworks to adapt to evolving software requirements and technologies.

• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, providing insights on testing status and risks.

• Ensure adherence to version control best practices by utilizing Git/Gitlab for code management and collaboration.

• Support the maintenance of project documentation within tools like Confluence and JIRA, ensuring traceability and clear communication of test status and results.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to UI automation within a complex defense program. The need for software development in Java, C++, and Python alongside test script development in Python signifies a role that bridges the gap between traditional QA and Software Engineering, often found in DevTest or SDET roles. The direct mention of C2BMC and its mission context implies that understanding the operational use case of the UI is paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related technical field from an accredited university.

• Alternatively, a Master’s Degree in a related field with 0 years of relevant work experience will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in software development or automated testing, with a focus on UI elements.

• Experience in designing, developing, and implementing automated test frameworks.

• Proven ability to develop test scripts in Python.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in software development languages: Java, C++, and Python.

• Strong knowledge and practical application of automated testing principles and methodologies.

• Experience in developing test scripts specifically using Python.

• Foundational understanding of version control systems, specifically Git/Gitlab.

• Familiarity with common software development and management tools such as Confluence and JIRA for collaboration and issue tracking.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting and interaction.

Preferred Skills:

• Current, active DoD 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND).

• Experience with UI automation tools and frameworks, particularly Selenium for web application testing.

• Familiarity with integrated development environments (IDEs) and build tools such as Eclipse, VS Code, Maven, and Gradle.

• Experience working within an Agile development methodology (Scrum, Kanban).

• Familiarity with continuous integration tools like Jenkins.

• Experience with GUI automation libraries such as PyAutoGUI.

• Familiarity with optical character recognition (OCR) tools like Tesseract for UI element identification or validation.

• Experience with legacy version control systems like ClearCase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills strongly point towards a modern software testing and development environment. Proficiency in Selenium is a key differentiator for UI automation roles, and familiarity with Agile, Jenkins, Maven, and Gradle indicates a need for integration into CI/CD pipelines. The emphasis on DoD 8140 certification highlights the critical compliance requirements for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate experience in designing and implementing automated test frameworks, showcasing the architecture, key components, and benefits.

• Provide examples of test scripts developed in Python for UI automation, highlighting their efficiency, maintainability, and coverage.

• Showcase case studies of UI testing projects where automated solutions led to significant improvements in defect detection, release cycles, or quality metrics.

• Include documentation or descriptions of how you have integrated automated tests into CI/CD pipelines to facilitate continuous integration and faster feedback loops.

Process Documentation:

• Document the process of designing an automated test framework, from requirements analysis to tool selection and implementation strategy.

• Outline the methodology for developing and maintaining robust, reusable test scripts, including best practices for coding standards, data management, and error handling.

• Detail the process for integrating automated tests into a CI/CD pipeline, including configuration, execution, and reporting mechanisms.

• Explain the approach to analyzing test results, identifying root causes of failures, and communicating findings to stakeholders, including defect reporting and retesting procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on UI automated testing with a software development component, a portfolio should not only demonstrate technical skills but also strategic thinking around test automation. This includes showing how automation contributes to development velocity and product quality. Emphasis on process documentation is key for roles that require creating and maintaining repeatable testing procedures.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $83,400 - $125,200 USD per year.

Explanation of Range: This salary range is based on Northrop Grumman's stated figures for this position. The final offer will be determined by factors including the candidate's experience, education, skills, the scope and responsibilities of the role, and current market conditions for similar positions in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Benefits:

• Health Plan: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• Savings Plan: Retirement savings plan, likely a 401(k), with potential company match.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO for vacation, personal business, and holidays.

• Education Assistance: Support for continued learning and professional development, including tuition reimbursement.

• Training and Development: Access to internal and external training programs to enhance skills and career growth.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: While this role is on-site, the company offers broader flexible work options across its organization.

• Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance coverage.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week is the standard for this full-time position. While specific daily schedules may vary based on team needs and project demands, a typical workday would align with standard business hours, allowing for effective collaboration with colleagues and participation in team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to Northrop Grumman's disclosure. For operations-focused roles, benefits like education assistance and training are particularly valuable for continuous upskilling in rapidly evolving technology landscapes. The company's emphasis on flexibility, even for on-site roles, suggests a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions to government and commercial customers worldwide. The company's work is critical to national security and technological advancement.

Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This indicates a structured environment with established processes, extensive resources, and diverse career opportunities. For operations professionals, this means potential for specialized roles, robust training programs, and a wide network of colleagues.

Founded: 1939. With a long history, Northrop Grumman has a deep-rooted culture of innovation, engineering excellence, and commitment to national security objectives. This longevity suggests stability and a strong track record in complex, long-term projects.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Context: This role sits within the Missile Defense Integration sector, specifically supporting the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program. The team likely comprises software engineers, test engineers, systems engineers, and analysts working collaboratively to deliver and maintain a critical defense system.

• Reporting Structure: The Software Development Analyst – UI Automated Test Engineer will likely report to a Test Lead or Engineering Manager, with direct collaboration with developers and program management.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with software developers, systems engineers, integration teams, and potentially end-users or stakeholders of the C2BMC system to ensure the UI meets operational requirements and is thoroughly tested.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on data-driven testing, analyzing test results to identify trends, defect patterns, and areas for process improvement.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Designing and refining automated testing workflows to maximize efficiency, reduce execution time, and improve test coverage.

• Automation & Efficiency Practices: Implementing and maintaining automation solutions to streamline testing processes, accelerate release cycles, and reduce manual effort.

Company Website: https://www.northropgrumman.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is deeply rooted in engineering, innovation, and mission success, particularly within the defense sector. The C2BMC program is highly strategic, meaning the operations team plays a vital role in national security. The large company size and long history suggest a stable yet dynamic environment with ample opportunities for professional development in specialized technical fields.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience). This level indicates an individual contributor role with a focus on executing defined tasks, contributing to team projects, and developing specialized skills in UI automation and software development. The expectation is for the candidate to be proficient in core responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Test Lead or Engineering Manager within the Missile Defense Integration sector. This structure allows for direct mentorship and guidance while providing autonomy in executing testing and development tasks. Collaboration will be key with cross-functional teams.

Operations Impact: The operations team, particularly in the context of the C2BMC program, has a direct and significant impact on national security by ensuring the reliability, functionality, and effectiveness of critical missile defense systems. This role's contribution to UI automation directly influences the usability and performance of systems that support strategic decision-making.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in UI automation frameworks (Selenium, PyAutoGUI), cross-platform testing, and performance testing. Expand software development skills in Java, C++, and Python, potentially moving towards full-stack development or specialized test architecture roles.

• Industry Certifications & Training: Pursue advanced DoD 8140 certifications (e.g., CISSP, CASP+) or specialized testing certifications. Leverage company-provided training and education assistance for further technical and professional development.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and experience, opportunities may arise for team leadership roles, mentoring junior engineers, or specializing in test architecture and strategy within complex defense programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a strong foundation for a career in specialized testing and software engineering within the defense industry. The emphasis on continuous learning and the critical nature of the projects provide a clear path for professional growth and increased responsibility. The opportunity to work on high-impact systems like C2BMC is a significant draw for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This role requires the candidate to work full-time at Northrop Grumman's facilities in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, Colorado. This location is a hub for defense contractors and government agencies, offering a concentrated ecosystem of related companies and opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with teams often co-located or utilizing shared spaces for meetings and brainstorming sessions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a robust IT infrastructure, company-provided hardware and software, and specialized development and testing tools essential for defense projects.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a diverse team of engineers, analysts, and management, promoting knowledge sharing and a collective approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While specific daily hours may vary, the on-site nature ensures direct engagement with team members and access to all necessary resources throughout the core business day, facilitating seamless integration with project timelines and collaborative efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment is typical for roles requiring high security clearances and direct access to sensitive systems and infrastructure. For operations professionals, this setup often facilitates more direct communication, quicker problem resolution, and a stronger sense of team cohesion compared to remote setups.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application against the stated qualifications, particularly focusing on clearance status and relevant technical skills.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth discussions on your experience with Java, C++, Python, automated testing frameworks (especially Selenium and Python scripting), Git, and Agile methodologies. You may be asked to walk through specific code examples or design test scenarios.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present examples from their portfolio, showcasing UI automation projects, test framework designs, and Python scripting capabilities. Be prepared to discuss your process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Behavioral Interview: Assessment of your teamwork, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and cultural fit with Northrop Grumman's values and the specific team dynamics. Expect questions about handling ambiguity and unexpected tasks.

• Security Clearance Verification: Confirmation of your active Secret security clearance status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Highlight projects where your automated testing efforts directly improved quality, reduced testing time, or accelerated release cycles. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced regression testing time by 40%").

• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your methodology for designing and implementing test automation, from initial setup to script development and maintenance. Show your understanding of framework architecture.

• Code Samples: Provide well-documented code samples of Python test scripts and any relevant Java/C++ development. Ensure they are clean, efficient, and demonstrate best practices.

• Tool Proficiency: Showcase your experience with the required and preferred tools (Selenium, Git, JIRA, Confluence, Jenkins, etc.) and explain how you leveraged them effectively.

• Adaptability: Include examples of how you've adapted to changing requirements or solved complex testing challenges, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and willingness to take on new tasks.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Be prepared for potential live coding exercises or take-home assignments focused on Python scripting for UI automation or basic Java/C++ tasks.

• System Design: You might be asked to outline how you would approach automating tests for a given UI scenario or designing a test framework from scratch.

• Troubleshooting Scenarios: Practice diagnosing and resolving issues within automated test scripts or development code. Be ready to explain your debugging process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a strong technical portfolio is crucial. It should not only list skills but demonstrate their application in real-world scenarios. The emphasis on an active Secret clearance means that candidates must have this in place prior to application, and the interview process will likely include verification steps early on.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Java, C++, Python (core development and scripting).

• Version Control: Git, Gitlab (essential for code management and collaboration).

• Collaboration/Project Management: Confluence (documentation), JIRA (issue tracking, sprint management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Test Automation Frameworks: Selenium (highly preferred for web UI testing), potentially custom frameworks built with Python.

• CI/CD Tools: Jenkins (highly desired for integrating automated tests into the build pipeline).

• Build Tools: Maven, Gradle (for managing Java projects).

CRM & Automation:

• IDEs: Eclipse, VS Code (for development and debugging).

• GUI Automation Libraries: PyAutoGUI (for desktop UI automation).

• OCR Tools: Tesseract (for image-based UI element recognition).

• Legacy Tools: ClearCase (familiarity may be beneficial if still in use for specific project components).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is a blend of foundational programming languages, modern development tools, and specialized testing utilities common in complex software projects, especially within the defense industry. Proficiency across these tools, particularly Git, Python for scripting, and Selenium for UI automation, is key for success in this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to the success of the C2BMC program and its contribution to national security. This translates to a dedication to quality, reliability, and thoroughness in all operations tasks.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, especially given the sensitive nature of defense projects.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and methods to enhance testing processes, development efficiency, and overall software quality.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work together to achieve common goals.

• Excellence in Execution: Striving for high performance in all tasks, from coding and testing to documentation and problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The team operates with a high degree of cross-functional collaboration, with testers and developers working closely together throughout the development lifecycle.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback and continuous improvement of testing processes, methodologies, and tools.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in team meetings, code reviews, and documentation efforts to disseminate knowledge and best practices across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is characterized by a strong sense of purpose driven by its defense mission. For operations professionals, this means a focus on precision, security, and a commitment to delivering reliable systems. The emphasis on teamwork and continuous improvement is crucial for tackling complex, long-term projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex System Integration: Working with the C2BMC system, which integrates numerous sensors and weapon systems globally, presents challenges in understanding dependencies and ensuring comprehensive test coverage.

• Security Compliance: Maintaining an active Secret clearance and DoD 8140 certification requires ongoing diligence and adherence to strict security protocols.

• Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in UI technologies, automation tools, and software development practices within a defense context.

• Legacy Systems & Modernization: Balancing the need to test and maintain existing system functionalities with the integration of new features and modern automation techniques.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced UI automation techniques, performance testing, and specialized testing methodologies relevant to defense systems.

• Industry Certifications & Training: Access to extensive training resources and support for obtaining and maintaining certifications like Security+ CE, CySA+, or higher-level IT certifications aligned with DoD 8140.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and potentially transition into lead roles or specialized architecture positions within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of large-scale defense projects, requiring adaptability, a strong commitment to security, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for specialization and advancement within a stable and impactful industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI feature you automated testing for. What was your approach to designing the test framework and scripts, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on process, tools, and problem-solving).

• "How would you ensure your automated tests remain stable and maintainable as the application evolves? Discuss your strategies for handling dynamic elements and UI changes." (Focus on best practices for test automation longevity).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Northrop Grumman, and specifically on the C2BMC program?" (Showcase research and alignment with company mission).

• "Describe a time you had to take on unanticipated tasking. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assess adaptability and problem-solving).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio item, clearly state the problem, your solution (what you built/developed), the tools/technologies used, and the impact/results.

• Highlight Key Technologies: Emphasize your proficiency in Python for scripting, Selenium for UI automation, and your experience with Java/C++ development.

• Showcase Framework Design: If you've built test frameworks, be prepared to discuss the architecture, design patterns, and advantages of your approach.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, provide metrics that demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., reduction in testing time, increase in defect detection rate, improvement in code coverage).

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific code snippets, automation logic, or debugging processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of robust software development skills (Java, C++, Python) and specialized UI automation expertise (Selenium, Python scripting). The ability to articulate a systematic approach to testing, understand the mission context, and showcase adaptability will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Northrop Grumman careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight specific experience with Java, C++, Python, automated UI testing (especially Selenium), test framework design, Git/Gitlab, JIRA, and Confluence. Clearly state your active Secret security clearance and any relevant DoD 8140 certifications.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your UI automation and software development skills. Be ready to articulate the problem, your solution, the technologies used, and the quantifiable impact.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common technical and behavioral questions, focusing on STAR method responses and clearly explaining your process for automation and software development tasks.

• Research Northrop Grumman & C2BMC: Understand the company's mission, values, and the strategic importance of the C2BMC program. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.