Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer - AISR&T Contingent

Posted Yesterday
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San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
156K-235K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Develops and manages cybersecurity requirements, architectures, risk assessments, threat models, vulnerability analyses, security artifacts, and test activities for classified airborne ISR and tactical systems. Collaborates with engineering and integration teams to implement security controls, supports RMF and DoD compliance, drives remediation, and presents technical status to leadership and customers. The role is on-site in Rancho Bernardo, supports classified work, requires an active Secret clearance, and involves approximately 10% travel.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

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.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to support the AISR&T program in Rancho Bernardo, CA. In this role, you 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. Success in this role will require strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams. Your presence will be needed on-site to support classified work and lab/flight activities; some travel may also be required for reviews, integration events, or customer meetings.

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Develop, decompose, and manage cyber and security requirements and ensure traceability through design, implementation, and test.
  • Define and maintain system and subsystem security architectures for AISR&T Programs, aligning with RMF, NIST, and DoD guidance.
  • Perform security risk assessments, threat modeling, and vulnerability analyses; recommend and track mitigation measures.
  • Produce and maintain security-related engineering artifacts (CONOPS, ICDs, security plans, interface specifications, test procedures).
  • Collaborate with software, hardware, network, and integration teams to embed security controls into designs and implementations.
  • Perform scans on program systems and develop associated findings reports and vulnerability analyses
  • Support security test planning and execution, review findings, and drive remediation activities.
  • Participate in technical reviews, trade studies, and customer/mission partner technical interchange meetings.
  • Prepare and deliver clear technical briefings and status to program leadership and customers.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience
  • Must have experience in systems engineering and/or cybersecurity (requirements, architecture, integration, or test).
  • Must have familiarity with government/industry security frameworks (e.g., NIST, RMF, DoD STIGs).
  • Must have an active US Government Secret clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience on airborne ISR, mission systems, or tactical communications programs.
  • Experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) within DoW acquisition environment
  • Hands-on experience with secure network architectures, enclave design, cross-domain solutions, or platform/embedded systems security.
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices.
  • Professional cybersecurity certifications (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CEH) or relevant training.

#Blue #Yellow

Primary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00

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 of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military or professional experience; or a Master's degree and at least 6 years; or a PhD and at least 4 years
  • Experience in systems engineering and/or cybersecurity, including requirements, architecture, integration, or testing
  • Familiarity with government and industry security frameworks such as NIST, RMF, and DoD STIGs
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance or higher, with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or enrollment in Continuous Evaluation
  • Experience with airborne ISR, mission systems, or tactical communications programs
  • Experience with Risk Management Framework within a DoD acquisition environment
  • Hands-on experience with secure network architectures, enclave design, cross-domain solutions, or platform/embedded systems security
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and practices
  • Professional cybersecurity certification such as Security+, CISSP, or CEH, or relevant training

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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