Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr. Principal Systems Engineer to support the AISR&T program in Rancho Bernardo, CA. The selected candidate will apply systems engineering and cybersecurity disciplines across the program lifecycle, driving secure architectures, requirements, and implementations for mission-critical airborne ISR and tactical systems.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Lead technical reviews of Security Classification Guide updates, collaborating with Chief Engineers, Program SMEs, and Customer SMEs to assess impacts and provide technical feedback to the Customer clarifying interpretation of Security Classification Guides (SCGs).
- Lead cross-functional implementation of the Customer’s SCG requirements, collaborating closely with the Industrial Security team to train program SMEs appropriately and ensure clear, consistent, and correct application across the program.
- Lead the implementation of program-specific CUI protection requirements, collaborating with the Industrial Security team and program SMEs to implement CUI controls in program processes.
- Support the Industrial Security Team, in building and conducting Program Security Trainings.
- Support the Export Compliance Team, by collaborating with program SMEs and the export team to evaluate, and direct export compliance technical decisions and provide backup support to the Program Export Technical Advisor in conducting technical export compliance review.
- Review contract security requirements, to provide impact assessments and recommendations to Contracts and Program management.
This position can be filled at either a level 3 or a level 4
Basic Qualifications:
- For Sr. Principal (T04): Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline with 9+ Years of experience, or Masters with 7+ years.
- For Principal (T03): Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline with 7+ Years of experience, or Masters with 5+ years.
- Active Secret Clearance required to start
- Ability to obtain TS/SCI Clearance within a reasonable amount of time
- Ability to obtain special program access as required within a reasonable amount of time
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience reviewing Security Classification Guides
- Experience reviewing Contract requirements/DFARS clauses
- Experience in effective communication with Program leadership, Senior Engineering leadership and Customer leadership
- Experience in effective communication and collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders (technical and non-technical)
- Experience in conducting technical reviews for export compliance
- Experience with Triton or other Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
On-site presence required to support classified work and lab/flight activities; some travel may be required for reviews, integration events, or customer meetings.
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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 Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline with 9+ years of experience for Sr. Principal level
- Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline with 7+ years of experience for Sr. Principal level
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline with 7+ years of experience for Principal level
- Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline with 5+ years of experience for Principal level
- Active Secret clearance required to start
- Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance within a reasonable amount of time
- Ability to obtain special program access as required within a reasonable amount of time
- Experience reviewing Security Classification Guides
- Experience reviewing contract requirements and DFARS clauses
- Experience communicating effectively with program, senior engineering, and customer leadership
- Experience collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Experience conducting technical reviews for export compliance
- Experience with Triton or other Uncrewed Aircraft 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.
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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.






