Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. This position will be responsible for System Security Engineering (SSE) across all phases of a system’s acquisition / development lifecycle.
The selected Cyber Systems Engineer will perform as a member of an interdisciplinary team on a key effort to develop novel and innovative solutions to advanced technical problems.
Essential Functions:
The successful candidate will develop and deliver secure system architecture implementations based on DoD, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Committee on National Security Systems Instruction (CNSSI), and Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes, policies and guidelines. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
Essential functions include:
- Verification and validation of system level cybersecurity requirements to support successful system sell-off
- Maintaining awareness of and providing SSE input to subsystem-level cybersecurity architectures to ensure seamless integration into system level architectures
- Support ongoing authorization efforts including briefing authorization status and development of supporting documentation in coordination with internal and external stakeholders
- Serve as a technical liaison to internal and external teams in support of program activities requiring SSE subject matter expertise
Basic (Minimum) Qualifications:
- For Principal Level: Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 5+ years Cybersecurity experience OR Master’s degree in a STEM and 3+ years of experience OR PhD in STEM and 1+ years of experience
- For Senior Principal Level: Bachelor’s Degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university and 8+ years Cybersecurity experience OR Master’s degree in a STEM and 6+ years of experience OR PhD in STEM and 4+ years of experience
- Familiarity with DoD System Security Engineering activities (security requirements engineering, risk assessment and management, secure architecture design, implementation and verification activities)
- Must have an active DoD Secret security clearance (at a minimum, with a background investigation completed within last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation)
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance before establishing a start date (contingency)
- Possess a DODD 8140.01 qualifying certification, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or similar network/security certifications or have the ability to acquire a qualifying certification within 6 months of starting
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF), development of System Security Plans, Assessment Reports, attack path modeling, and mitigation strategies
- Experience with embedded computing environments and technologies
- Experience with cloud computing environments and technologies
- Experience developing cybersecurity architectures in a Digital Engineering environment
- Experience applying agile methodologies to the development of cybersecurity capabilities for embedded systems
- Experience working on a multidisciplinary team and writing technical proposals
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to interface with all levels of employees and management
- Familiarity with U.S Government Anti-Tamper (AT) processes and implementations
- Currently have or have the ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance to include a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
Skills Required
- Principal level: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 5+ years of cybersecurity experience, or Master's degree and 3+ years, or PhD and 1+ year
- Senior Principal level: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and 8+ years of cybersecurity experience, or Master's degree and 6+ years, or PhD and 4+ years
- Familiarity with DoD System Security Engineering activities, including security requirements engineering, risk assessment, secure architecture design, implementation, and verification
- Active DoD Secret security clearance with a completed background investigation within the last six years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program clearance before establishing a start date
- DODD 8140.01 qualifying certification, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or similar network/security certification, or ability to acquire one within six months
- Experience with Risk Management Framework, System Security Plans, Assessment Reports, attack path modeling, and mitigation strategies
- Experience with embedded computing environments and technologies
- Experience with cloud computing environments and technologies
- Experience developing cybersecurity architectures in a Digital Engineering environment
- Experience applying agile methodologies to cybersecurity capabilities for embedded systems
- Experience working on multidisciplinary teams and writing technical proposals
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to interface across employee and management levels
- Familiarity with U.S. Government Anti-Tamper processes and implementations
- Current or obtainable DoD Top Secret clearance, including a Single Scope Background Investigation
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.
