Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal/Senior Principal Engineer Electronics - Networks to join our team in San Diego, CA.
The successful engineer will contribute to the overall development of Mission System Network solutions, including developing functional architecture, analyzing performance, developing and managing requirements and interfaces, and verifying/validating all allocated requirements. The selected engineer will perform as a member of an interdisciplinary team in a key effort to develop novel and innovative solutions to advanced technical problems.
The Mission Systems Network Engineer in this role will be responsible for:
- Interpret, allocate, tailor, write and flow down requirements to all levels of a system architecture
- Design and develop network architecture, perform network hardware and software integration and testing, and requirements analysis
- Trade studies, documenting subsystem architectures, analyzing performance, and evaluating Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
- Document designs using detailed schematics, diagrams and specifications
- Collaborate with engineers and program stakeholders to integrate network solutions
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. Once established in role, the position could potentially offer a hybrid work environment. Scheduled telework days are approved at manager's discretion. This position requires the ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Basic Qualifications:
- Education Experience Requirement:
- Principal Engineer (LV3): Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM and 3 years of related engineering experience
- Senior Principal Engineer (LV4): Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 8 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline and 6 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 4 years of related engineering experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification. Examples include: CCNA Security or Security+CE
- Solid Understanding of Cisco IOS, IP4 network design, including IP subnetting and dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP
- Configuration and troubleshooting of Cisco routers and switches with Cisco IOS
- Basic understanding of advanced network topics, such as DMVPN/GRE/IPSEC tunnels
- Experience with on network defense systems (e.g. firewalls, ACL, IDS, IPS)
- Familiar with Windows and Linux network configurations
- Must have an active U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation and the ability to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret Security Clearance preferred.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), or Security +
- Experience with software defined networks (e.g. Cisco SDWAN)
- Experience with network simulations (Cisco Modeling Lab or GNS3)
- Working knowledge on tactical wireless communications technologies (e.g. LOS, BLOS)
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM and 5 years related engineering experience OR Master's degree in STEM and 3 years related engineering experience (Principal Engineer LV3)
- Bachelor's degree in STEM and 8 years related engineering experience OR Master's degree in STEM and 6 years experience OR PhD and 4 years experience (Senior Principal Engineer LV4)
- Ability to obtain and maintain DoD 8140 approved IAT Level II (or higher) compliant certification (examples: CCNA Security or Security+CE)
- Solid understanding of Cisco IOS and IPv4 network design, including IP subnetting and dynamic routing protocols (OSPF or EIGRP)
- Configuration and troubleshooting experience with Cisco routers and switches running Cisco IOS
- Basic understanding of advanced network topics such as DMVPN, GRE, and IPSEC tunnels
- Experience with on-network defense systems (firewalls, ACLs, IDS, IPS)
- Familiarity with Windows and Linux network configurations
- Must have an active U.S. Government Secret security clearance (background investigation within past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and ability to obtain Top Secret clearance
- Willingness to work full-time on-site (San Diego, CA) with up to 25% travel
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.








