Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer – Network Architect to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals within Research and Advanced Design’s Battle Management operating unit. This role will be located in El Segundo, CA.
The Network Architect is accountable for designing the resilient network topology that connects the portable C2E system to tactical, enterprise and cloud environments. Responsibilities include VPN, SD-WAN, TACLANE, QoS for real-time government furnished applications, and rapid-deployment networking kits that enable a two-person field set-up. The architect is a proactive problem-solver who values reliability, security alignment with the Infrastructure Lead, and continuous optimization of bandwidth and latency for mission success.
The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is NO remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required
Key Program Responsibilities:
Design the network topology and connectivity plan for a portable C2 demo, including VPN, SD-WAN, and TACLANE integrations.
Ensure network security zones align with the Infrastructure & Security Lead’s policies and support BLOS communications with simulated aircraft.
Define bandwidth, latency, and QoS requirements to meet real-time performance of application software.
Support the two-person deployment process by providing rapid-set-up networking kits and documentation.
Basic Qualifications:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 8 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 6 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.
Experience designing and implementing secure, resilient networks for defense or aerospace programs.
Experience with IPsec VPNs, SD-WAN, TACLANE or secure tactical communications.
Strong understanding of and experience with network monitoring, log aggregation, and integration with CI/CD pipelines.
Experience with producing clear network diagrams and deployment guides for rapid field setup.
Must have an active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs
Preferred Qualifications:
Active U.S. Government Secret (or higher) Security Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Prior clearance to a Special Access Program (SAP) or Special Compartmentalized Information (SCI)
Significant architecture, design, integration and test experience
Demonstrated success of standup of complex networks and rapid field setup
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in STEM with 8 years related experience OR Master's with 6 years OR Ph.D. with 4 years.
- Experience designing and implementing secure, resilient networks for defense or aerospace programs.
- Experience with IPsec VPNs, SD-WAN, TACLANE, or secure tactical communications.
- Strong understanding of and experience with network monitoring, log aggregation, and integration with CI/CD pipelines.
- Experience producing clear network diagrams and deployment guides for rapid field setup.
- Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable timeframe.
- Ability to work full-time on-site in El Segundo, CA (no remote/hybrid).
- U.S. Citizenship (required for government clearance).
- Prior clearance to a Special Access Program (SAP) or SCI.
- Significant architecture, design, integration and test experience.
- Demonstrated success standing up complex networks and rapid field setup.
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.


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