Northrop Grumman

Cyber Systems Engineer (Principal or Senior Principal Level)

Northrop Grumman$114K — $213K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience in Engineering (5-8 years depending on level)
  • Active US Government Secret clearance
  • Proficiency in NIST SP 800-53 and RMF processes
  • Hands-on experience with security compliance tools like ACAS, SCAP, STIG
  • Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration

Responsibilities

  • Apply Risk Management Framework (RMF) for identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks
  • Design and develop system-security solutions for new and existing platforms
  • Create and maintain RMF artifacts such as the SAP, SAR, and SSP
  • Integrate security controls into development pipelines
  • Conduct continuous monitoring and compliance documentation

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman's Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Cyber Systems Engineer (Principal or Senior Principal Level) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Rancho Bernardo, CA or Redondo Beach, CA.

In this role, you will play a pivotal role in both new system development and the ongoing sustainment of existing platforms by applying a solid working knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. You will design, develop, integrate, test, and verify system-security solutions, ensuring that each RMF step, from categorization through continuous monitoring produces the required artifacts: Security Assessment Plan (SAP), Security Assessment Report (SAR), Risk Assessment Report (RAR), System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action & Milestones (POA&M), Security Control Traceability Matrix (SCTM), and Continuous Monitoring (ConMon) documentation needed to obtain and sustain an Authority to Operate (ATO).

This role requires hands-on experience with NIST SP 800-53 and a solid understanding of the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including the key engineering milestones (PDR, CDR, SFR, TRR) and the associated cybersecurity deliverables required at each engineering phase. The ideal candidate will be proficient in creating and maintaining the full suite of compliance documentation, adept at embedding security controls directly into development pipelines, and possess strong communication skills to work effectively with architects, developers, program managers, and auditors throughout the acquisition and systems development lifecycles.

You will also be expected to understand:
  • Direct experience developing RMF assessment and authorization artifacts in accordance with NIST SP 800-37
  • Hands on experience using security compliance tools (e.g., ACAS, SCAP, STIG, SCC),
  • Direct experience developing RMF assessment and authorization artifacts in accordance with NIST SP 800-37
  • Hands on experience using security compliance tools (e.g., ACAS, SCAP, STIG, SCC),

This role may be filled at either the Principal or Senior Principal level, based on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications:

Principal Cyber Systems Engineer: (T03):
  • Must have a Bachelors degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military / professional experience in Engineering, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military / professional experience in Engineering, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience in Engineering


At a Senior Principal Level (T04):
  • Must have a Bachelors degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience in Engineering, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience in Engineering, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience in Engineering


At Both Levels:
  • Must have an active US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently 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:
  • Direct Experience utilizing NIST 800-160 system security engineer and the system development life cycle.
  • Prior experience with Cyber Survivability Endorsement Implementation Guide (CSEG), and Cyber Resiliency.
  • Implement and review the application of cybersecurity profile stereotypes to a Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) Architecture
  • Author and review requirement decomposition, derivation, and flow down
  • Implement and review traceability of requirements throughout a spec tree architecture
  • Implement, review and assess cybersecurity system requirements verification/validation methods
  • Understanding of Contractual requirements, architecture, design, implementation, integration, verification & validation, field test, etc.
  • Prior experience working on Weapon Systems
  • Current/active **Secret** clearance
  • Active US Government Cyber Workforce Framework (CompTIA Security+) certification or able to obtain within 6 months of hire


Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,500.00 - $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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

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Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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