At Northrop Grumman, we have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way.
Northrop Grumman is looking for a Cyber Systems Engineer to support our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) department as part of the Connectivity and Networking Solutions (CNS) Business Unit (BU). As a member of the SEIT department you’ll work in a fast-paced team environment alongside engineers of all flavors to make our technologies a reality. This position will serve on-site at Spectrum Center, San Diego. This position can be filled at a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer or Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer level.
Responsibilities:
- Design, plan, implement, and perform assessment of security controls, polices, and processes that are compliant with National Security Agency (NSA) programs and DoD wide frameworks such as Risk Management Framework (RMF) and CMMC.
- Participate in assessment of systems security controls to validate control implementation and identify weaknesses.
- Document the results of Certification and Accreditation activities, technical or coordination activity, prepare the system Security Plans, and update the POA&M.
- Periodically conduct a complete review of each system's audits and monitor corrective actions until all actions are closed Implementation, automation, configuration and maintenance of security tools, centralized authentication solutions, IDS/IPS, and compliance baselines.
- Provide advanced technical analyses of cyber infrastructure challenges and problems; develop/identify technical solutions responsive to customer needs.
- Participate in team reviews of technical requirements, design and implementation plans prior to deployment.
- Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance, reliability, and security of the system including installing, upgrading, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration.
- Serve as a Cyber SME supporting high-level technical and practical expertise.
- Assures the implementation of Cyber Security disciplines, including COMSEC, EMSEC, OPSEC, digital communications systems, network protocols and architectures, and penetration tools and techniques.
- Support the continuous assessment of Cyber Control compliance for systems within their responsibility.
Basic Qualifications for Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:
- 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD
- Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification (Security+) or higher.
- Candidate must be a US Citizen
- Experience translating technical concepts and program information to others.
- Clearance: A current/active DoD Secret clearance
Preferred Qualifications for Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:
- In-depth knowledge of DoD 8500-series directives.
- Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation and interpersonal skills necessary to support known activities/challenges working with engineering teams, management, customers, partners and government.
- System Administrator Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Systems
- In-depth understanding of planning, design, and implementation necessary to support a large enterprise system.
- Working knowledge of NIST 800-series documents
- Experience with configuring Security Incident Event Monitoring and IDS/IPS tools such as ACAS, ESS, and Splunk on Linux RedHat and Windows environments.
- Experience with vulnerability and compliance scanners such.
- Working experience deploying and configuring Linux and Windows systems in accordance with DoD STIG requirements.
- Experience in developing scripts to automate security processes.
Basic Qualifications for a Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:
- 8 Years with Bachelors in Science; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD
- Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification (Security+) or higher.
- Candidate must be a US Citizen
- Experience translating technical concepts and program information to others.
- Clearance: A current/active DoD Secret clearance
- undefined
Preferred Qualifications for Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:
- In-depth knowledge of DoD 8500-series directives.
- Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation and interpersonal skills necessary to support known activities/challenges working with engineering teams, management, customers, partners and government.
- System Administrator Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows Systems
- In-depth understanding of planning, design, and implementation necessary to support a large enterprise system.
- Working knowledge of NIST 800-series documents
- Experience with configuring Security Incident Event Monitoring and IDS/IPS tools such as ACAS, ESS, and Splunk on Linux RedHat and Windows environments.
- Experience with vulnerability and compliance scanners such.
- Working experience deploying and configuring Linux and Windows systems in accordance with DoD STIG requirements.
- Experience in developing scripts to automate security processes.
- In-depth systems engineering knowledge to include understanding of systems engineering lifecycle.
- Experience in managing stakeholder expectations, programmatic risk management, and customer engagement.
Skills Required
- Bachelor of Science with 5 years of experience, master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year for Principal level
- Bachelor of Science with 8 years of experience, master's degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years for Senior Principal level
- Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification, such as Security+, or higher
- U.S. citizenship
- Current and active DoD Secret clearance
- Experience translating technical concepts and program information to others
- Knowledge of DoD 8500-series directives
- Strong written and oral communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- System administration experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows systems
- Experience planning, designing, and implementing large enterprise systems
- Working knowledge of NIST 800-series documents
- Experience configuring security incident event monitoring and IDS/IPS tools, including ACAS, ESS, and Splunk
- Experience with vulnerability and compliance scanners
- Experience deploying and configuring Linux and Windows systems according to DoD STIG requirements
- Experience developing scripts to automate security processes
- In-depth systems engineering lifecycle knowledge
- Experience managing stakeholder expectations, programmatic risk, and customer engagement
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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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
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.





