Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Security Engineer

Posted 2 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Rolling Meadows, IL, USA
In-Office
109K-204K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Lead systems security engineering for sensor and mission systems, developing Anti-Tamper and cybersecurity architectures, requirements, testing, reverse-engineering analyses, exportability and technology release assessments, cryptographic safeguards, and ST&E support to meet US government policies and program needs.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees 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. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site.  Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems.  These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts.  Enjoy Come join a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world’s biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.  If you are interested in consideration to be included as a part of this team, we would invite you to apply.

 What You Will Get to Do:

As an integral part of our Systems Security Engineering team, you will be responsible for providing hands-on experience in the development of sensor payloads and secure mission security solutions supporting our hardware and software security solutions to tip of the spear warfighters.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Demonstrate full life cycle Systems Engineering development experience in Anti-Tamper and/or Cybersecurity: encompassing  architecture design, trade studies, requirements formulation, detailed design, unit testing, system testing, and validation and verification practices.

  • Support the development and implementation of hardware and software Anti-Tamper and/or CyberSecurity techniques and countermeasures to protect assets and enhance operational integrity and reliability.

  • Implement and ensure compliance with US Government policies (e.g., JSIG, DAAPM, NIST 800-53, CNSSI 1253, DODI 5200.39, etc.); e.g., by supporting secure architecting of systems, reviewing processes, tailoring needs controls, and approving generating documented procedures artifacts, and overseeing security testing and analysis.

  • Conduct thorough analyses to validate existing security requirements and develop additional safeguards as necessary to enhance system security.

  • Collaborate with the US Government and program teams to negotiate and develop Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity solutions for international export markets, ensuring the security of compliance with Tri-Service Committee and Red Team requirements for US-deployed and exported military systems.

  • Utilize reverse engineering techniques to architect and validate effective security Anti-Tamper / CyberSecurity solutions.

  • Conduct Technical Release Analyses in accordance with US Government security governance, service policies, and licensing precedents. Prepare, assess, and certify Controlled Unclassified Information and higher information and Critical Program Information determinations for licensing.

  • Coordinate Technology Release efforts with program personnel by engaging relevant stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to ensure successful outcomes, to include development and delivery of training on Technology Release processes to program personnel.

  • Manage and communicate the necessary analyses and modifications for system, subsystem, or sensor exportability, ensuring compliance with international standards.

  • Apply intermediate understanding of cryptographic security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.

  • Support formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) processes mandated by US Government authorities through comprehensive pre-test preparations, active participation in testing, result analysis, and the preparation of required reports.

  • Document findings from Assessment and Authorization activities, as well as technical and coordination efforts, while preparing and maintaining the system Security Plans and updating the Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M).

  • Support strategic planning for Anti-Tamper and CyberSecurity technology development that aligns with global strategic priorities and influences current and future policies.

  • Collaborate effectively with program teams and global Business Development stakeholders to incorporate international requirements and features into design processes and drive product line initiatives for global market success.

  • Actively participate in communities of practice to enhance domain knowledge and foster continuous professional development throughout the organization. 

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position may be contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Principal Systems Design Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Security Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 5 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR a PhD in a STEM field with 1 year of related experience

  • Two (2) years of Systems Engineering experience with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc.

  • Two (2) years of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification

  • Two (2) years of experience with Anti-Tamper or Cyber Security, Reverse Engineering and/or Cyber Security Risk Management Framework / Cyber Resiliency

  • Candidate must be a US Citizen

  • Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Systems Security Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) field with 8 years of related experience; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM field with 6 years of related experience; OR a PhD in a STEM field with 4 years of related experience

  • Two (2) years of Systems Engineering experience with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc.

  • Two (2) years of experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification

  • Two (2) years of experience with Anti-Tamper or Cyber Security, Reverse Engineering and/or Cyber Security Risk Management Framework / Cyber Resiliency

  • Candidate must be a US Citizen

  • Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Preferred Qualifications for Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Security Engineer:

  • Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields

  • Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance

  • Experience with Systems Engineering development of DoD weapon systems

  • Experience with Hardware (Firmware) Assurance, Software Attack Surface Analysis Report, Select Software/Firmware Encryption, and Secure Key Handling

  • Experience with identifying and mitigating software assurance vulnerabilities and performing integration testing of mitigation/resolution

  • Experience with contributing to and/or making technical presentations to internal and external customers

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in STEM with 5 years related experience OR Master's with 3 years OR PhD with 1 year (Principal level)
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8 years related experience OR Master's with 6 years OR PhD with 4 years (Sr. Principal level)
  • Minimum 2 years Systems Engineering experience with DoD platforms, sensors or subsystems (EO/IR, Embedded Software, Cryptography, Satellite, RF, Radar, Undersea Sensors, etc.)
  • Minimum 2 years experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test, and verification and validation (V&V)
  • Minimum 2 years experience with Anti-Tamper or Cyber Security, Reverse Engineering and/or Cyber Security Risk Management Framework / Cyber Resiliency
  • U.S. Citizenship
  • Current active Secret clearance with additional customer-specified clearance (SAP)
  • Advanced degrees in STEM or related technical fields
  • Active Secret or Top-Secret clearance (preferred)
  • Experience with Systems Engineering development of DoD weapon systems
  • Experience with Firmware Assurance, Software/Firmware Encryption, and Secure Key Handling
  • Experience identifying and mitigating software assurance vulnerabilities and performing integration testing of mitigations
  • Experience contributing to or delivering technical presentations to internal and external customers

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

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.

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