Northrop Grumman Space Systems (NGSP) is seeking a Cyber Systems Engineer – Level 2 or 3 to join our team at our facility in Aurora, Colorado.
We are seeking a highly motivated Cyber Engineer to support the design, implementation, and protection of complex systems and cloud environments. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in systems security engineering, Risk Management Framework (RMF), and modern cyber tools and platforms, with a proven track record operating in highly classified environments.
Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:Apply Systems Security Engineering principles (per NIST SP 800-160) across the system lifecycle, including requirements definition, architecture, design, implementation, verification, validation, and operations.
Design, implement, and secure cloud-based infrastructures (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), including servers, networks, storage, and associated services.
Configure, integrate, and operate cyber security tools such as Rapid7, Trellix, Splunk, and other industry-standard technologies to support monitoring, detection, incident response, and compliance.
Implement and maintain cloud security platforms, including configuration of security controls, monitoring, logging, and alerting.
Interpret and apply DoD 8500-series and DoDI 8510.01 directives, cyber security approaches, security procedures, and accreditation requirements (IATT/ATO).
Lead and support RMF (NIST 800-37) accreditation activities, including documentation development, control implementation, security scanning, assessment, and continuous monitoring.
Develop, maintain, and manage Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) to track remediation activities and residual risk.
Produce and maintain RMF assessment and authorization documentation (e.g., System Security Plan, Security Assessment Plan/Report, Contingency Plan, Incident Response Plan, Continuous Monitoring Strategy).
Collaborate with systems engineers, software engineers, network engineers, and program management to ensure security requirements are understood, implemented, and validated.
Provide technical guidance and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders on cyber risks, mitigations, and trade-offs.
This requisition may be filled at a higher job grade based on the qualifications listed below.
This requisition may be filled as either a level 2 or level 3.
Basic Qualifications for a Level 2:Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with CI polygraph at time of application
Bachelor's degree with 2 years of relevant experience - OR - Master's degree with 0 years of relevant experience. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Possession of Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
Demonstrated exposure to cloud infrastructure, network, and architecture design and implementation (servers, networks, storage) on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
Background with Systems Security Engineering as defined in NIST SP 800-160
Experience configuring and implementing tools such as Rapid7, Trellix, and Splunk, along with other industry-standard cyber security technologies
Experience working with cloud security platforms (e.g., cloud-native security services, CSPM, CWPP, cloud logging and monitoring)
Working knowledge of DoD 8500-series and DoDI 8510.01 IA directives, cyber security approaches, security procedures, and IATT/ATO requirements
Experience with RMF (NIST 800-37) accreditation functions, to include documentation, vulnerability scanning, security control assessment, POA&M management, and execution of all RMF steps
Experience developing RMF assessment and authorization documentation for DoD or Intelligence Community systems
Requires an active Top-Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with CI polygraph at time of application
Bachelor's degree with 5 years of relevant experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of relevant experience - OR - 0 years of relevant experience with a PhD. An additional 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Possession of Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
Demonstrated exposure to cloud infrastructure, network, and architecture design and implementation (servers, networks, storage) on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
Background with Systems Security Engineering as defined in NIST SP 800-160
Experience configuring and implementing tools such as Rapid7, Trellix, and Splunk, along with other industry-standard cyber security technologies
Experience working with cloud security platforms (e.g., cloud-native security services, CSPM, CWPP, cloud logging and monitoring)
Working knowledge of DoD 8500-series and DoDI 8510.01 IA directives, cyber security approaches, security procedures, and IATT/ATO requirements
Experience with RMF (NIST 800-37) accreditation functions, to include documentation, vulnerability scanning, security control assessment, POA&M management, and execution of all RMF steps
Experience developing RMF assessment and authorization documentation for DoD or Intelligence Community systems
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Systems, or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
5+ years of experience in cyber engineering, information assurance, or related discipline.
Additional certifications such as CASP+, CISM, CCSP, AWS/Azure security specialty, or other advanced security/cloud certifications.
Experience with automation and scripting (e.g., Python, PowerShell, Terraform, Ansible) to support security configuration and compliance.
Experience supporting classified programs within DoD or the Intelligence Community.
#COSpace
Primary Level Salary Range: $101,000.00 - $151,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00The 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.Skills Required
- Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance with CI polygraph at application
- Bachelor's degree with 2 years of relevant experience for Level 2, or 5 years for Level 3; equivalent master's or PhD pathways accepted
- Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification
- Experience with cloud infrastructure, networks, and architecture design and implementation on AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
- Systems Security Engineering experience based on NIST SP 800-160
- Experience configuring and implementing Rapid7, Trellix, Splunk, and other cybersecurity technologies
- Experience with cloud security platforms, cloud-native security services, CSPM, CWPP, cloud logging, and monitoring
- Working knowledge of DoD 8500-series and DoDI 8510.01 directives, cybersecurity procedures, and IATT/ATO requirements
- Experience with RMF accreditation, documentation, vulnerability scanning, security control assessment, POA&M management, and all RMF steps
- Experience developing RMF assessment and authorization documentation for DoD or Intelligence Community systems
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Systems, or a related discipline
- Master's degree
- Five or more years of experience in cyber engineering, information assurance, or a related discipline
- CASP+, CISM, CCSP, AWS or Azure security specialty, or other advanced security/cloud certification
- Experience with automation and scripting using Python, PowerShell, Terraform, or Ansible
- Experience supporting classified DoD or Intelligence Community programs
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Retirement Support — 401(k) matching is considered strong, with additional defined-benefit coverage for certain cohorts and options like catch-up contributions. Retirement programs are repeatedly highlighted as a core strength of the total rewards.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — PTO, company-paid holidays, and compressed work schedules (such as 9/80) provide meaningful time away and flexibility. These scheduling options are cited as a major quality-of-life benefit across many locations.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave alongside caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and back-up care supports a range of family needs. These programs have been expanded recently, signaling continued investment in family support.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.







