Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer – Network Architect

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

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.

Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems – Research & Advanced Design (R&AD) transforms breakthrough ideas into mission-ready capabilities through intelligent anticipation. We’re the front-end design engine, defining what comes next. From developing cutting-edge next-generation future aircraft to trailblazing collaborative autonomous platforms, we push the boundaries of technology and forge industry-leading partnerships that set new standards for what’s possible.

 

Our team owns the full lifecycle of advanced concept creation, from visionary early-stage designs and rapid prototyping to high-impact demonstrations and solving the toughest technical challenges in survivability, autonomy, and battle management. We seek curious, adaptable people who thrive on turning intuition into breakthrough solutions. If you’re driven to invent the future, build what’s next, and shape the landscape of national security, this is where you belong.

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

Primary Level Salary Range: $142,200.00 - $213,400.00

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.