Principal Engineer Software – UI Automated Test Lead (26-452) Space AHT

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Engineer Software – UI Automated Test Lead (26-452) Space AHT

Company: Northrop Grumman

Location: Colorado Springs, CO, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Software Engineering / Quality Assurance Operations

Date Posted: October 01, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive UI automated testing framework for critical C2BMC User Interface products, ensuring robust quality assurance for national security systems.

• Drive the translation of legacy codebases into modern, maintainable architectures, enhancing system performance and testability through expert software engineering practices.

• Develop and execute advanced UI software solutions using Java and Python, focusing on automation, test harnesses, and component development to support complex defense applications.

• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers in UI development and automated testing methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill development within the operations team.

• Utilize industry-standard development and management tools such as GitLab, Confluence, and JIRA to manage project lifecycles, track progress, and ensure efficient delivery of high-quality software.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Northrop Grumman's Space Systems division, specifically supporting the Missile Defense Integration sector on the C2BMC program. The emphasis on "Space AHT" and "Missile Defense Integration" signifies a critical role in national security, requiring a high degree of precision, reliability, and adherence to stringent security protocols, including a Top Secret clearance and IAT Level II certification. The position is strictly on-site, with no remote work options, underscoring the sensitive nature of the work and the need for secure, controlled environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain a sophisticated UI automated testing framework tailored for the C2BMC User Interface products, ensuring comprehensive test coverage and efficiency.

• Develop and enhance UI software components using Java and Python, with a specific focus on creating robust automation, test harnesses, and reusable UI elements.

• Execute the translation of legacy code into modern architectural patterns, prioritizing improved maintainability, enhanced performance, and increased testability of the C2BMC UI suite.

• Develop and integrate automated UI test cases using tools like Sikuli, seamlessly embedding them into established program workflows and CI/CD pipelines.

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction for UI development and automation efforts across the C2BMC capability, setting best practices and ensuring alignment with program objectives.

• Mentor and guide junior engineers in advanced UI development techniques, automated testing strategies, and effective utilization of development tools, fostering team growth and knowledge transfer.

• Proactively manage source code, documentation, and issue tracking using tools such as GitLab, Confluence, and JIRA, ensuring transparency and efficient project progression.

• Engage in close collaboration with cross-functional teams, effectively communicating project status, potential risks, and technical insights within a highly dynamic operational environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on software development, strategic test automation leadership, and team mentorship. The emphasis on "translating legacy code to modern architecture" suggests a significant refactoring or modernization effort, requiring strong architectural understanding and a methodical approach to implementation. The requirement to lead UI automation efforts implies setting standards, selecting tools, and driving adoption across multiple development streams within the C2BMC UI suite.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a closely related technical field from an accredited university, combined with a minimum of 5 years of progressive software engineering experience.

• Alternatively, a Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least 3 years of hands-on work experience in software development and testing.

• Equivalent professional experience of 9 years in a relevant technical capacity may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in software engineering, with a significant focus on UI automated testing, framework design, and execution.

• Demonstrated experience in translating legacy code into modern, scalable architectures, showcasing an understanding of system modernization strategies.

• Proven track record of leading development efforts, providing technical direction, and establishing best practices within a specific software domain, particularly UI development.

• Experience in mentoring and guiding junior engineers, fostering their technical growth and ensuring adherence to quality standards. Required Skills:

• Expertise in User Interface Automated Testing, including the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated test cases and frameworks.

• Proficient in UI software development using Java and Python, with a strong understanding of object-oriented programming principles.

• Hands-on experience developing automated test cases for UI interactions using tools such as Sikuli.

• Strong proficiency with version control and collaboration platforms, specifically GitLab for source control management and CI integration.

• Experience utilizing project management and documentation tools like Confluence and JIRA for tracking tasks, progress, and knowledge sharing.

• Solid foundation in Software Engineering principles, including design patterns, debugging, and application maintenance.

• Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership and direction within a software development team.

• Experience in mentoring junior engineers on software development and automation best practices.

• Active, in-scope Government-issued Secret security clearance required to start.

• Current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (e.g., Security+ CE, CCNA-Security, CySA+, CND) required to start and must be maintained. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with integrated development environments (IDEs) such as Eclipse.

• Experience with build automation tools like Maven and Gradle.

• Knowledge of legacy version control systems like ClearCase.

• Experience generating build and deployment pipelines using Jenkins to support CI/CD workflows.

• Experience with visualization frameworks such as NASA WorldWind or similar geospatial/3D rendering tools.

• Experience within the Missile Defense Domain, understanding its unique challenges and requirements.

• Familiarity with Scrum-Agile-based development methodologies and practices.

• Experience working within a Continuous Integration / Continuous Development (CI/CD) framework.

• Extensive experience in an Agile development environment.

• Significant prior experience with automated testing specifically for User Interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Basic Qualifications" heavily emphasize security clearances and certifications (Secret clearance, 8140 IAT Level II+), which are non-negotiable for this role due to the sensitive nature of the C2BMC program. The experience requirements are quantified, and the combination of specific technical skills (Java, Python, Sikuli, GitLab) with leadership and mentoring responsibilities points to a senior-level individual contributor role with significant influence on team processes and technical direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of successfully designed and implemented automated testing frameworks, showcasing their scalability, maintainability, and efficiency gains.

• Case studies detailing the translation of legacy systems or codebases into modern architectures, highlighting the process, challenges, and measurable improvements in performance, testability, or maintainability.

• Examples of complex UI automation scripts and test cases developed using tools like Sikuli, illustrating effective interaction with dynamic user interfaces and data validation.

• Documentation of contributions to CI/CD pipelines, specifically demonstrating how automated testing was integrated to enable continuous integration and delivery. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing and documenting robust software development workflows, including coding standards, branching strategies (e.g., Gitflow), and code review processes.

• Detailed descriptions of how automated test cases are developed, integrated into build processes, and how test results are reported and analyzed to drive defect resolution.

• Examples of process optimization initiatives undertaken, such as improving build times, reducing test execution cycles, or enhancing the reliability of automated tests.

• Documentation of experience using Agile methodologies, including sprint planning, backlog refinement, daily stand-ups, and retrospective participation, to manage and deliver software iteratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, the responsibilities and required skills strongly imply that candidates will need to demonstrate their experience through detailed examples in their resume and potentially during interviews. The focus on "translating legacy code," "UI automated testing framework design," and "CI/CD integration" suggests that portfolio pieces should highlight these specific areas, showcasing tangible results and process improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this position is between $103,600.00 and $155,400.00 USD annually. Benefits:

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

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

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

• Education Assistance: Support for continued learning through tuition reimbursement and educational programs.

• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional development, skill enhancement, and career advancement through various training programs.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: While this specific role is on-site, the company offers flexible arrangements for other positions, indicating a supportive approach to work-life balance where feasible.

Working Hours:

• The standard workweek is expected to be 40 hours. Specific daily schedules may vary but will align with the operational needs of the C2BMC program and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a guideline, and Northrop Grumman states that the final offer will depend on factors such as the scope of responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and current market conditions. The benefits package is described as comprehensive and customizable, typical for a large defense contractor. The mention of "no remote options" for this specific role is critical for candidates assessing their work arrangement preferences.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting. Northrop Grumman is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, developing advanced systems for national security and global stability. The company operates in highly regulated and mission-critical sectors, demanding a culture of precision, integrity, and innovation.

Company Size: Northrop Grumman is a large, established corporation, typically employing tens of thousands of individuals globally. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and numerous career development pathways, but may also mean navigating larger organizational structures and processes.

Founded: Northrop Grumman has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century. This deep heritage signifies a company with enduring expertise and a track record of significant contributions to technological advancement and national defense.

Team Structure:

• The UI Automated Test Lead will be part of the C2BMC (Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications) program team, likely within a larger software engineering or systems integration group.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a direct manager for the software engineering/QA team, with potential matrixed reporting to program leads or project managers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with software developers, systems engineers, integration and test engineers, and potentially program management and government stakeholders. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on using data from automated tests and system performance metrics to identify trends, root causes of defects, and areas for improvement in both the software and the testing process.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Application of Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) to plan, execute, and iterate on software development and testing tasks, with a focus on continuous improvement and efficient delivery.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: A core focus on leveraging automation, particularly in UI testing and CI/CD pipelines, to increase speed, reduce manual effort, and improve the overall efficiency and reliability of the software development lifecycle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture is deeply rooted in defense contracting, meaning a strong emphasis on security, compliance, and mission success. The C2BMC program is a critical component of U.S. missile defense, implying a high-stakes environment where quality and reliability are paramount. Team collaboration will likely be structured, with clear roles and responsibilities, but also require proactive communication due to the complexity of the systems being developed.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Principal Engineer Software," indicating a senior individual contributor position. It requires a high level of technical expertise, independent problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to guide and mentor others. The focus on leading automated testing efforts further elevates its strategic importance within the software development lifecycle.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Engineer Software will likely report to a Software Engineering Manager or a Project Lead within the C2BMC program. They will work closely with other senior engineers, developers, and potentially systems architects, contributing to technical decisions and strategy for UI development and testing.

Operations Impact: The operations managed by this role directly impact the reliability, effectiveness, and readiness of critical missile defense systems. By ensuring the quality of the C2BMC User Interface through robust automated testing, this role contributes to the U.S. President's ability to command and control defense assets, thereby playing a vital role in national security.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in advanced UI automation techniques, explore new testing tools and frameworks, and gain experience in translating complex legacy systems to modern architectures. Potential to specialize further in areas like performance testing, security testing, or specific visualization technologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to transition into a formal team lead or management role, overseeing larger teams, managing project scope, and influencing strategic technical direction. This could involve taking on more responsibility for resource allocation, process definition, and stakeholder management.

• Domain Expertise: Significant opportunity to develop deep knowledge of the Missile Defense Domain and the intricacies of the C2BMC system, making the individual a highly valuable asset within the defense sector. This specialized knowledge can open doors to other critical programs within Northrop Grumman or the broader defense industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal Engineer" title signifies a high level of technical mastery and leadership potential. Growth opportunities are likely to stem from increased technical responsibility, domain specialization, and potential progression into management roles, all within the context of critical defense programs. The emphasis on security clearance and specific certifications also means that continued professional development will involve maintaining these credentials.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is strictly on-site at Northrop Grumman's facilities in Colorado Springs, CO. The work environment will be within a secure government contracting facility, necessitating adherence to strict security protocols and access controls.

Office Location(s): Colorado Springs, Colorado. This location is a hub for aerospace and defense industries, offering a strong professional network and community for individuals in this sector.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While on-site, the role requires significant collaboration with other engineers, developers, and program personnel. This will likely involve team meetings, joint problem-solving sessions, and shared workspace areas designed for technical exchange.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a robust IT infrastructure, including high-performance workstations, secure network access, and the necessary software tools for development, testing, and collaboration (e.g., Java IDEs, Python interpreters, GitLab, JIRA, Confluence, Sikuli).

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the immediate UI development and testing team, as well as broader program teams. This fosters a dynamic environment where knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving are encouraged.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. While the specific daily schedule might offer some flexibility depending on team needs and project deadlines, the on-site requirement means consistent physical presence is expected. This schedule is designed to support the continuous development and operational needs of the C2BMC program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a defining characteristic of this work environment. Candidates must be prepared for a secure facility setting and a structured daily routine. The collaborative aspect is key, suggesting that effective communication and teamwork within a physical office space are critical for success.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to ensure you meet the basic qualifications, including security clearance and IAT certifications.

• Technical Interview(s): Expect in-depth technical discussions focusing on your experience with Java, Python, UI automation (Sikuli), framework design, legacy code modernization, and CI/CD integration. Prepare to discuss specific projects, challenges, and solutions.

• Leadership & Mentorship Discussion: Questions will likely assess your ability to lead technical efforts, mentor junior engineers, and articulate technical strategies.

• Behavioral/Situational Questions: Scenarios may be presented to gauge your problem-solving skills, ability to work in a dynamic environment, and collaboration style.

• Security Clearance Verification: A thorough process to verify your existing Secret clearance and IAT certification status.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Key Projects: Prepare to walk through 2-3 significant projects that demonstrate your expertise in UI automation, framework development, legacy code modernization, and leadership.

• Showcase Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, the technical approach you took, the tools you used (Java, Python, Sikuli, GitLab, JIRA), and the quantifiable results or improvements achieved (e.g., reduced test execution time, increased defect detection rate, improved code maintainability).

• Process Documentation: Be ready to discuss your process for designing automated test frameworks, writing clean and maintainable automation code, integrating with CI/CD pipelines, and collaborating with development teams.

• Mentorship Examples: Prepare specific examples of how you have mentored junior engineers, guided their technical development, and fostered a collaborative team environment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Exercises: Be prepared for live coding exercises or take-home assignments focusing on Java or Python, potentially involving UI interaction simulation or test case development.

• System Design/Architecture: Questions may probe your understanding of translating legacy systems to modern architectures, designing scalable test frameworks, or architecting CI/CD pipelines.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: You might be presented with hypothetical technical challenges related to UI testing, automation failures, or code modernization, and asked to outline your approach to resolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role like this at Northrop Grumman will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on verifying technical skills, security compliance, and leadership potential. Candidates should be prepared to provide concrete examples and articulate their thought processes clearly, especially regarding their experience with legacy code modernization and automated testing frameworks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Programming Languages: Java (primary for development and potentially automation), Python (for scripting, automation, and potentially development).

• UI Automation Tools: Sikuli (explicitly mentioned for UI automation), potentially others.

• Version Control: GitLab (for source code management, CI integration, collaboration).

• Project Management & Collaboration: JIRA (for issue tracking, sprint management), Confluence (for documentation, knowledge sharing).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Test Reporting: Tools integrated with the automation framework to generate detailed test execution reports, defect logs, and performance metrics.

• CI/CD Dashboards: Platforms like Jenkins may provide dashboards for monitoring build statuses, test results, and pipeline health.

• Data Analysis: Potentially using scripting (Python) or specialized tools to analyze test results and system performance data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UI automation integrates with broader development workflows and potentially backend systems is key.

• CI/CD Platforms: Jenkins (mentioned as preferred) for automating build, test, and deployment processes.

• Build Tools: Maven, Gradle (preferred) for managing Java project dependencies and builds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on software development and testing within an Agile/CI/CD environment. Proficiency in Java and Python is fundamental, with Sikuli being the specified tool for UI automation. GitLab, JIRA, and Confluence are essential for workflow management and collaboration. Preferred tools like Jenkins, Maven, and Gradle indicate a desire for candidates with experience in modern DevOps practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission Focus: A strong commitment to the mission of national security and supporting the C2BMC program's objectives. This means prioritizing reliability, accuracy, and timely delivery of high-quality software.

• Technical Excellence: A dedication to applying best practices in software engineering, automated testing, and system architecture. Encouraging continuous learning and skill development to stay at the forefront of technology.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are valued. Working effectively across functional teams to achieve common goals.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct, security, and personal responsibility for one's work and contributions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with software developers, systems engineers, integration testers, and potentially government stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of UI components and automated tests.

• Process Review Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback on code, test cases, and processes to drive continuous improvement. Regular participation in code reviews and design discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing expertise through documentation, team presentations, and informal mentoring to build collective understanding and capability within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's culture, especially within defense programs, will emphasize security, precision, and a strong sense of purpose. The team culture will likely reflect these values, with a professional and results-oriented approach to collaboration. Expect a structured yet cooperative environment where technical expertise and mission contribution are highly regarded.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Legacy Code Modernization: Transitioning complex, potentially outdated code to modern architectures requires careful planning, risk management, and robust testing to avoid introducing new issues. This is a significant technical challenge that offers substantial learning opportunities.

• Dynamic Environment: Working on government programs often means dealing with evolving requirements, shifting priorities, and tight deadlines. Adapting quickly and maintaining focus on core objectives will be crucial.

• Complex System Integration: Integrating UI components and automated tests into the larger C2BMC system requires a deep understanding of system dependencies and interfaces. Troubleshooting integration issues can be complex.

• Maintaining Security Compliance: Adhering to stringent security protocols, clearance requirements, and 8140 certifications is an ongoing challenge that requires constant vigilance and commitment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced UI automation techniques, explore new scripting languages and tools, and gain experience with sophisticated testing methodologies like performance and security testing.

• Industry Conference & Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend relevant industry conferences (e.g., defense tech, software engineering) and pursue advanced certifications that align with the evolving landscape of software development and cybersecurity.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior engineers, leading technical initiatives, and potentially taking on project management responsibilities. This can pave the way for future leadership roles within Northrop Grumman.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large defense programs, offering significant opportunities for professional growth. The emphasis on continuous learning and leadership development aligns with the "Principal Engineer" title, suggesting a focus on developing well-rounded, highly capable professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe your approach to designing a comprehensive UI automated testing framework for a large, complex system like C2BMC. What factors would you consider, and how would you ensure its scalability and maintainability?" Prepare to discuss framework architecture, tool selection criteria, and integration strategies.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How would you collaborate with software developers to ensure smooth integration of your automated tests? Describe a time you had to influence a development team to adopt new testing practices." Focus on communication skills, empathy, and proactive problem-solving.

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a critical UI feature is failing automated tests intermittently. Walk me through your process for diagnosing and resolving this issue, considering both code and environment factors." Be ready to articulate a systematic debugging approach.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "What do you know about Northrop Grumman's commitment to quality and innovation in the aerospace and defense sector, particularly regarding software development?" Research the company's mission, values, and recent achievements in technology.

• Operations Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment for UI development and automation. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team culture?" Discuss your experiences with Agile teams and your approach to mentorship.

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success and impact of your UI automation efforts on the C2BMC program? What key metrics would you track?" Prepare to discuss metrics like test coverage, defect detection rates, reduction in manual testing time, and impact on release cycles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Select a project where you significantly improved a testing process or modernized a system. Structure your presentation to clearly define the problem, your solution (including tools and techniques), and the measurable outcomes.

• Metrics Presentation: When discussing results, use clear data visualizations and highlight key performance indicators (KPIs) that demonstrate the value of your work, such as efficiency gains, cost savings, or improved system stability.

• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, prepare a brief, pre-recorded demonstration or a live walkthrough of a complex automation script or a part of a framework you designed to showcase your technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation for this interview should focus on demonstrating a blend of deep technical expertise in UI automation and software engineering, coupled with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Be ready to back up claims with specific examples and quantifiable results, particularly concerning legacy code modernization and framework design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

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

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to prominently feature your experience with Java, Python, UI automation (especially Sikuli), automated testing frameworks, GitLab, JIRA, Confluence, CI/CD, and any experience with legacy code modernization. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation: Compile examples of your work that demonstrate your skills in UI automation framework design, automated test case development, and contributions to CI/CD pipelines. Be ready to discuss these in detail during interviews.

• Security & Certification Verification: Ensure your resume clearly lists your current Secret security clearance and your IAT Level II or higher certification. Be prepared to provide details and verification.

• Company & Role Research: Thoroughly research Northrop Grumman, the C2BMC program, and the specific requirements of the Principal Engineer Software role. Understand the company's mission and values, and how your skills align with the program's objectives.

⚠️ 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.