Algorithm Software Engineer - Level 3 at Northrop Grumman
Boulder, CO
$114,000–$171,000from the description
Jul 1, 2026
Boulder, CO
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
This role centers on designing and implementing algorithms for missile tracking systems, including state estimation, observation models, propagation models, and filters. Day-to-day work involves data analysis, performance evaluation, and building tools and prototypes in C++ and Python on Linux. It suits engineers with a strong applied mathematics background and hands-on algorithm development experience who hold an active Secret clearance.
Senior level · 5+ years · Boulder, CO · Secret clearance · Full-time
Advertised as Principal, but the requirements read as Senior.
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
Posted 4 times — it's one opening, so apply once.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
How this req sits in the market our data
Most people in this occupation already list these. Still required — just not what gets you shortlisted.
What the occupation pays Median $168,179 (middle half $132,051–$211,194). This posting is about at that midpoint.
Estimated from BLS employment for this occupation and area, per-skill prevalence across our listing corpus, and published wage benchmarks — as of Jul 28, 2026. It is a model, not a headcount.
Why we read it this way (8)
The role is titled 'Principal Algorithms Software Engineer – Level 3' but the actual requirements (5 years experience, Bachelor's + 5 yrs or Master's + 3 yrs) align with a Senior-level position rather than a true Principal/org-wide authority role. Seniority is assessed as Senior accordingly.
An active Secret clearance is required at time of application; the JD also states the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance is required, but the hard gate for start is Secret.
The degree requirement is listed as 'preferred' in the JD ('Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline preferred'), and equivalent experience pathways are offered, so no minimum degree is flagged as a hard gate.
SOC classification is Medium confidence: the role blends algorithm/mathematics development (closer to 15-2051 Data Scientists) with hands-on C++/Python software engineering (15-1252 Software Developers). The emphasis on tool/prototype development and software implementation tips the primary classification to 15-1252.
'Algorithm design' and 'state estimation' are listed as named technical requirements in the Basic Qualifications section; they are retained as skills because they represent a specific, domain-defined technical capability (not generic soft skills), though they are less tool-specific than most entries.
Containerization experience (e.g. Docker) appears under Preferred Qualifications with no specific tool named; common substitutes are listed in alternatives.
Ignored 1 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): algorithm design.
Requires a Secret clearance — the cleared population is a small fraction of this occupation, so the real candidate pool is materially smaller than the estimate below, which does not model clearance.
Read the full posting
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