Principal Electronics Engineer / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer – Infrastructure & Cyber Security Lead
Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Electronics Engineer / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer – Infrastructure & Cyber Security Lead to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within Research and Advanced Design’s Battle Management operating unit. This role will be located in El Segundo, CA.
The Infrastructure & Security Lead establishes the identity-access-management framework, multi-level security controls, anti-tamper/zero-ize procedures, and continuous monitoring for the C2 product line. The Lead works closely with the Networking Architect to embed VPN, TACLANE and SD-WAN protections, and supports rapid software integration while safeguarding classified data. An autonomous, security-focused professional, the individual drives a culture of zero-trust, continuous improvement, and proactive cyber-hygiene across the entire solution.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is NO remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required
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**This position may be filled either at the Principal Electronics Engineer OR a Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer level based on the qualifications listed.**
Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.
Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.
Key Program Responsibilities:
Design and implement identity-access-management, role-based access control, and zero-trust security architecture for a portable C2 system.
Deploy logging, log aggregation, and monitoring tools (e.g., Splunk, Syslog) to support forensic analysis and system health.
Manage mobile-device management, license/subscription tracking, and system-status dashboards across laptops, tablets, and rugged equipment.
Coordinate with the Networking Architect to embed encryption, anti-tamper, zeroize, and BLOS security controls.
Basic Qualifications:
Principal Electronics Engineer: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 5 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 3 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 1 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.
Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 8 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 6 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.
Cybersecurity and infrastructure operations for DoD or classified environments.
Hands-on experience with MFA, IAM platforms (Azure AD, Okta), MDM solutions (Intune, MobiControl), and logging/monitoring suites.
Proven ability to implement secure, scalable infrastructures supporting rapid software integration and continuous deployment.
Knowledge of BLOS communications security, TACLANE, and anti-tamper requirements.
Must have an active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
Active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Prior clearance to a Special Access Program (SAP) or Special Compartmentalized Information (SCI).
Knowledge of DoD Cyber requirements, RMF, and associated solutions.
Active or prior IAT Level II Certification (Security+ Certification).
Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining encryption devices (TACLANES).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 5 years related engineering experience OR Master's with 3 years OR Ph.D. with 1 year (Principal level)
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8 years related engineering experience OR Master's with 6 years OR Ph.D. with 4 years (Sr. Principal level)
- Cybersecurity and infrastructure operations experience in DoD or classified environments
- Hands-on experience with MFA and IAM platforms (Azure AD, Okta)
- Experience with MDM solutions (Intune, MobiControl)
- Experience deploying logging, log aggregation, and monitoring tools (e.g., Splunk, Syslog)
- Knowledge and experience with BLOS communications security, TACLANE, anti-tamper, and zeroize procedures
- Active US Government Secret Clearance (background investigation within past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation)
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within required timeframe
- Proven ability to implement secure, scalable infrastructures supporting rapid software integration and continuous deployment
- Work full-time on-site at El Segundo, CA (no remote/hybrid)
- Prior clearance to a Special Access Program (SAP) or SCI
- Knowledge of DoD cyber requirements, RMF, and associated solutions
- Active or prior IAT Level II Certification (Security+ or equivalent)
- Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining encryption devices (TACLANES)
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.








