Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS) is looking for a Principal Engineer based out of Huntsville, Alabama for the IBCS Poland Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS). IBCS Poland Integrated Battle Command System is a revolutionary, network enabled command-and control system developed by Northrop Grumman that Poland has deployed to unify its air and missile defense sensors and shooters. IBCS Poland Integrated Battle Command System delivers a single integrated air picture with unprecedented accuracy and broadens surveillance and protection areas. By implementing IBCS Poland Integrated Battle Command System into their militaries, the US and other nations are transforming their integrated missile defense capabilities in a consistent manner.
The selected candidate will serve as a Network Integrator supporting the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) program. This role is responsible for integrating, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting networked hardware and software components across complex mission systems in support of system integration, verification, and fielding activities. The candidate will work closely with systems, software, cybersecurity, hardware, and test engineering teams to ensure reliable end-to-end network connectivity and successful subsystem interoperability.
The Network Integrator will support the development, implementation, and validation of network configurations and procedures across lab, integration, and operational environments. Responsibilities include analyzing network architectures, verifying interfaces, resolving connectivity and performance issues, supporting test events, and maintaining technical documentation required for system integration and network operations. This role requires strong troubleshooting capability, attention to detail, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, highly collaborative engineering environment.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in IP networking, system integration, and technical problem solving, along with the ability to support mission-critical defense systems. Experience with tactical networks, command-and-control systems, or integrated air and missile defense environments is highly desirable. Familiarity with IBCS and its networked operational architecture, including distributed components and integrated communications pathways, is strongly preferred. A CCNA or higher networking certification is desired to demonstrate baseline technical proficiency in enterprise and systems networking principles.
Basic Qualifications
- CCNA certification
- 5 years with Bachelors in Science; 3 years with Masters; 1 year with PHD or 4 additional years in lieu of a degree
- Security + certification required
- Experience integrating and troubleshooting complex networked systems in a lab, field, or operational environment
- Working knowledge of IP-based networking fundamentals, including routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs, and network protocols
- Experience with system integration, interface validation, and end-to-end connectivity testing across multiple subsystems
- Ability to analyze network architectures, data flows, and communication paths to identify and resolve integration issues
- Experience supporting hardware and software integration in mission-critical or defense-related environments
- Familiarity with network configuration, baseline management, and technical documentation development
- Ability to use network diagnostic and troubleshooting tools such as Wireshark, packet capture utilities, and command-line network tools
- Understanding of cybersecurity requirements, secure network practices, and system hardening considerations
- Experience working with cross-functional engineering teams, including systems, software, hardware, and test organizations
- Ability to support test events, system checkout, issue resolution, and integration verification activities
- Knowledge of Linux and/or Windows operating environments in support of system integration activities
- Experience reading and interpreting interface control documents, network diagrams, and technical requirements
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced integration and test environment
- Travel Required ~50% to Poland
- Active Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with military command-and-control systems, tactical networks, or integrated air and missile defense environments is highly desirable
- Experience supporting IBCS or similar integrated battle management / defense systems is preferred
Skills Required
- CCNA certification
- Security+ certification
- Five years of experience with a bachelor's degree, three years with a master's degree, one year with a PhD, or four additional years in lieu of a degree
- Experience integrating and troubleshooting complex networked systems in laboratory, field, or operational environments
- Working knowledge of IP networking, routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs, and network protocols
- Experience with system integration, interface validation, and end-to-end connectivity testing across multiple subsystems
- Ability to analyze network architectures, data flows, and communication paths to resolve integration issues
- Experience supporting hardware and software integration in mission-critical or defense-related environments
- Familiarity with network configuration, baseline management, and technical documentation development
- Ability to use Wireshark, packet capture utilities, and command-line network diagnostic tools
- Understanding of cybersecurity requirements, secure network practices, and system hardening
- Experience working with systems, software, hardware, and test engineering teams
- Ability to support test events, system checkout, issue resolution, and integration verification
- Knowledge of Linux and/or Windows operating environments
- Experience reading and interpreting interface control documents, network diagrams, and technical requirements
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced integration and test environment
- Approximately 50% travel to Poland
- Active Secret security clearance
- Familiarity with military command-and-control systems, tactical networks, or integrated air and missile defense environments
- Experience supporting IBCS or similar integrated battle management or defense systems
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
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