Full-Time

Principal/Sr Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Updated on 3/14/2025

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman

10,001+ employees

Aerospace and defense technology solutions provider

Compensation Overview

$121.4k - $226.7kAnnually

+ Bonus

Senior, Expert

No H1B Sponsorship

San Diego, CA, USA

Relocation assistance may be available.

US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

Category
Cybersecurity
IT & Security
Required Skills
Agile
Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in science, engineering, or related discipline with 5 years of experience; or 3 years of relevant experience with a Masters (MS) degree; or 1 year with a PhD
  • An additional 4 years of relevant experience/education can be considered in lieu of a Bachelor of Science Degree
  • Direct experience utilizing NIST 800-160 system security engineer and/or the system development life cycle
  • Direct experience in one or more of the following Systems Engineering activities: system requirements decomposition/derivation/flow down/traceability, architecture, high-level/detail design, implementation, integration and test, and/or verification & validation
  • Direct experience supporting the development of RMF assessment and authorization artifacts in accordance with NIST SP 800-37
  • In possession of a current IASAE II certification (CISSP preferred) in accordance with DoDI 8140 or able to obtain within six months of hire
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Candidate must currently have, and be able to maintain an active/current U.S. Government DOD Secret Clearance or higher.
Responsibilities
  • Work within the Cybersecurity Engineering Group to provide technical decisions and guidance to enable timely, high quality product deliveries and flight test events that meet mission requirements
  • Partner and collaborate with other program systems engineers across Integrated Product Teams to accomplish program requirements and meet mission objectives
  • As a member of a team of specialized NGMS cybersecurity engineers, support the development and enhancement of Launch and Missile Defense systems
  • Participate as part of an extended team of US government, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Northrop Grumman Space, and supplier cybersecurity practitioners across multiple program locations
  • Ensure weapon system compliance with all contractually obligated cybersecurity standards and guidance, including but not limited to CNSSI 1253, DoD 8140, DoD 8510, and AFI 17-101
  • Propose and design systems architecture changes with traceability to requirements
  • Provide Cyber implementation guidance and oversight across technical teams
  • Develop and document technical standard engineering processes and procedures as needed
  • Participate in team reviews of technical requirements, design and implementation plans prior to deployment of computer systems, digital communications systems, networking devices, computer architectures, and computer security penetration tools and techniques
  • Participate in cybersecurity assessment activities and review cybersecurity assessment methods, plans, procedures, and reports
  • Provide input to program milestones and metrics, adhering to cybersecurity-relevant plans and schedules
  • Identify problems and research technical solutions to resolve these problems
  • Apply analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of Cyber Security implementation
  • Solve complex problems across disciplines in an Agile, DevSecOps environment
Desired Qualifications
  • IASAE level III certified (ISSEP, ISSAP) in accordance with DoD 8140
  • Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance with additional preference for SAP briefing on the Sentinel program
  • Software Assurance experience
  • Expertise with Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) and related tools such as DOORS and Cameo
  • Knowledge of Cyber Security Engineering practices, network technologies, DoD system development life cycles and methodologies, and insight into information technology infrastructure management/monitoring and applications
  • Expertise with containerized software systems in accordance with DoD DevSecOps Reference Design
  • Experience innovating in Cybersecurity Accreditation processes and procedures in a multi-certification (Cyber, Nuclear Surety, etc.) context as part of a Digital Engineering Environment
  • Experience authoring and maintaining critical program documents such as Cybersecurity Strategies, System Security Plans, Continuous Monitoring Plans, Security Assessment Plans, etc.
  • Experience in a Systems Engineering role with responsibilities in the planning, designing, implementation, testing, and delivery of a system with Cyber/Information Assurance requirements
  • Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation, coordination, and interpersonal skills
  • Proven collaboration with program managers and customer representatives to meet program objectives
  • Experience managing and directing efforts following an Agile and DevSecOps process model
  • Proven success analyzing, estimating, and implementing solutions to complex problems spanning multiple engineering disciplines
  • Ability to calmly negotiate challenging program requirements, strategies, and conflicting constraints among a large and diverse group of program stakeholders

Northrop Grumman provides advanced aerospace and defense technology solutions, focusing on areas such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and space operations. The company develops and integrates complex systems that support government and commercial clients, particularly the U.S. Department of Defense and international allies. Its products and services include command and control systems, surveillance technologies, and logistics support, all designed to enhance national security and operational effectiveness. Northrop Grumman stands out from competitors by leveraging its extensive research and development capabilities and a strong track record in securing long-term contracts through competitive bidding. The company's goal is to maintain its leadership position in the aerospace and defense sector by continuously innovating and delivering comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Founded

1939

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Increased demand for autonomous systems boosts Northrop Grumman's innovation in AI technologies.
  • Growing interest in space exploration opens new markets for Northrop Grumman's space systems.
  • U.S. defense budget increase aligns with Northrop Grumman's nuclear modernization projects.

What critics are saying

  • Competition from Palantir's AI systems may challenge Northrop Grumman's defense technology market share.
  • Unmanned fighters like YFQ-42 may disrupt traditional aerospace defense models.
  • Oerlikon's advancements in metal additive manufacturing could increase competition in efficiency.

What makes Northrop Grumman unique

  • Northrop Grumman excels in autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and space technologies.
  • The company has a strong track record with government contracts and defense solutions.
  • Northrop Grumman's diversified segments ensure a stable and varied revenue stream.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Relocation Assistance

Performance Bonus

Company News

The Defense Post
Mar 14th, 2025
Northrop Bags $267M Deal to Supply MQ-4C Triton Drones to US Navy

Northrop Grumman has secured a $267-million contract to produce two additional MQ-4C Triton drones for the US Navy,

Exchange Monitor
Mar 10th, 2025
Northrop Grumman does "static fire test" on Sentinel ICBM

Northrop Grumman is building the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to replace the Minuteman III ICBM as the land leg of the nuclear triad.

MarketBeat
Mar 10th, 2025
Callan Family Office LLC Invests $618,000 in Northrop Grumman Co. (NYSE:NOC)

Callan Family Office LLC invests $618,000 in Northrop Grumman Co. (NYSE:NOC).

Olhar Digital
Mar 8th, 2025
Palantir launches AI systems for the US military

Additionally, Palantir has partnered with companies including Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and Anduril Industries to enhance the program's capabilities.

MarketBeat
Mar 8th, 2025
Raymond James Financial Inc. Makes New $171.58 Million Investment in Northrop Grumman Co. (NYSE:NOC)

Raymond James Financial Inc. makes new $171.58 Million Investment in Northrop Grumman Co. (NYSE:NOC).