Job Description
We are looking for an Experienced Cybersecurity Professional to join our Cybersecurity Integrated Product team (IPT) who will maintain an enhanced focus on ground segment cloud infrastructure and lead the cybersecurity posture of mission-critical information systems in 100% Agile Development and Operational environment(s) from design through decommissioning. In this role, you will operate as the Deputy Cybersecurity Lead and Deputy Information System Security Manager. You will work closely with the integrated product teams to develop and decompose software security requirements, technical architectures, system designs and provide technical oversight to the organization. Finally, you will collaborate with the Platform Deployment team supporting the implementation of secure infrastructure, Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, and achieving accreditation & sustainment of a private cloud infrastructure.
If you thrive on ownership, strategic thinking, customer engagement, and creative solutioning, this role is for you!
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities, to include Assessment and Authorization (A&A), Continuous Monitoring and Vulnerability Management
- Working in an Agile engineering environment, where you will lead the design, development, and/or implementation of secure systems. Continuously ensure systems are compliant with program security requirements.
- Working in an Agile engineering environment, where you may assist in identifying, prioritizing, and/or guiding strategic oversight of software security requirements; to include triage of Static Code Analysis (SCA) tool findings (e.g. Fortify) and assist in prioritizing the findings as technical debt in the Software Development LifeCycle (SwDLC) backlog.
- Advising internal and external program stakeholders on cybersecurity approaches for cloud systems, security-focused engineering trade studies, and other security best practices.
- Assist in the identification, development, implementation of security tools and automation processes; to include Static and Dynamic Code Analysis, Software Dependency Scanning, Compliance and Vulnerability Scanning, Auditing & Event Monitoring Solutions (Splunk)
- Developing standard Risk Management Framework (RMF) artifacts, such as System Security Plan (SSP), Risk Assessment Report (RAR), Security Controls Traceability Matrix (SCTM), Plans of Action & Milestones (POA&Ms), and additional security policies and best practices for application and system security
- Oversee the system accreditation process to achieve Authority to Operate (ATO) and to include conducting system security assessments outlined through the RMF process
- Conducting system vulnerability scanning, remediation and patch management activities on Windows and Red Hat operating systems and various COTS/GOTS applications, including those within virtualized and/or cloud environments.
- Documenting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and when needed, performing software patch installation, other flaw remediation, antivirus updates, and continuous monitoring (ConMon) activities.
- Ensuring systems are operated, maintained, and disposed of in accordance with security policies and procedures as outlined in the system security authorization package.
- Managing security assessments of mission software applications to include code reviews, vulnerability assessments, and application security testing
Basic Qualifications:
Education:
Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer
- Bachelor’s Degree (STEM) with 8 Years of relevant experience, Master’s Degree (STEM) with 6 years of relevant experience, or PhD (STEM) with 4 years of relevant experience
Execution:
- Required Location: Sterling and/or Chantilly, VA
- Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance at the time of application, SCI Eligible and U.S. Citizenship required
- Possess CISSP, CSSLP, CASP, CISM or equivalent certification
- Strong understanding of NIST 800-37 (Risk Management Framework), NIST 800-53 (Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems) and OWASP Top 10 (Web Application Security) security controls and the Systems Engineering requirements analysis, decomposition, and analysis process
- Experience with Cloud Security and Best Practices
- Strong understanding of Event Monitoring architectures, components, and deployment options. Experience building and maintaining an Event Monitoring solution (e.g. Splunk) in a cloud environment
- Demonstrated knowledge of Software Development Lifecycle (SwDLC), Systems Engineering Review Processes, and System/Software Accreditation Milestones
- Technical Leadership and/or Mentorship Experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelors and/or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity or Information Systems Management
- 2+ years of experience in the Defense Space Industry
- Experience and/or Certified in Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Experience in Application Security, Software Development, DevOps, and/or related field
- Experience with Embedded (C/C++), Scripting (Python) and Object-Oriented Programming languages (Java); previous development experience preferred
- Familiarity with Zero-Trust Security Principles and Implementation Approaches
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree (STEM) with 8 years relevant experience, Master's (STEM) with 6 years, or PhD (STEM) with 4 years
- Required Location: Sterling and/or Chantilly, VA
- Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance at time of application
- U.S. Citizenship required
- SCI Eligible
- Possess CISSP, CSSLP, CASP, CISM or equivalent certification
- Strong understanding of NIST 800-37 (RMF), NIST 800-53, and OWASP Top 10
- Experience with Cloud Security and Best Practices
- Strong understanding of Event Monitoring architectures and experience building/maintaining Splunk in cloud environments
- Demonstrated knowledge of Software Development Lifecycle (SwDLC), systems engineering review processes, and system/software accreditation milestones
- Technical leadership and/or mentorship experience
- Experience conducting vulnerability scanning, remediation and patch management on Windows and Red Hat
- Experience developing RMF artifacts (SSP, RAR, SCTM, POA&Ms) and overseeing ATO process
- Experience in Agile engineering environments and supporting CI/CD pipelines
- Experience with Static and Dynamic Code Analysis, Software Dependency Scanning, and compliance/vulnerability scanning tools
- Preferred: Experience with Embedded (C/C++), Scripting (Python), and Java development
- Preferred: 2+ years experience in the Defense Space Industry
- Preferred: Experience or certification in Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Preferred: Familiarity with Zero-Trust security principles and implementation approaches
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.








