Northrop Grumman

IT Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman$79K — $118K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM or Business discipline with 2 years of relevant experience or a Master's degree with no experience required; equivalent combinations considered.
  • 0-3 years of IT or Systems Engineering experience (internships or entry-level roles acceptable).
  • Hands-on experience with IT infrastructure, virtualization, or cloud platforms (projects or labs).
  • Active DoD Secret security clearance (or recent) with eligibility for Top-Secret clearance.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, teamwork orientation, and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

  • Support the development of the IT technical baseline and system design.
  • Assist in delivering the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP).
  • Define, analyze, trace, and manage IT technical requirements throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Maintain the overall Digital Engineering Ecosystem architecture in alignment with program goals.
  • Participate in project teams to design and implement IT solutions for DEE requirements.
  • Conduct basic risk assessments and recommend upgrades.
  • Manage IT asset documentation and compliance with backup and recovery plans.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Savings plan
  • Company-paid holidays
  • Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

Northrop Grumman’s IT Solutions team is looking for an enthusiastic IT Systems Engineer to support the APEX program and its Digital Engineering Ecosystem (DEE). This entry‑level position offers the chance to work on a high‑impact systems‑engineering effort that will deliver secure, modern IT infrastructure for a government‑grade customer. 

This position will be filled on site in Melbourne, FL

Our culture rewards intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and the willingness to bring your whole self to work. If you are eager to learn, collaborate, and contribute to mission‑critical solutions, we encourage you to apply.

Role Overview

The Engineer works under the guidance of senior engineers and the Systems Engineering & Architecture IPT (Integrated Product Team). You will assist in designing, integrating, testing, and documenting the program’s IT baseline, while gaining exposure to the full systems‑engineering lifecycle (concept → sustainment) and to tools such as DOORS, MBSE suites, and cloud platforms.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering:

  • Support development of the IT technical baseline and system design (planning, design, integration, testing, production release, sustainment).

  • Assist in delivering the Systems Engineering Management Plan (SEMP).

  • Assist in defining, analyzing, allocating, tracing, and managing IT technical requirements throughout the program lifecycle.

Architecture and Design

  • Assist in the development and maintenance of the overall Digital Engineering Ecosystem architecture, working closely with stakeholders across IT, business, and engineering teams to ensure alignment with Program and Organization goals.

  • Ensure the DEE architecture enables stakeholder access to Program Authoritative Sources of Truth (data and models) required for digital engineering and sustainment throughout the program lifecycle.     

  • Participate on project teams to design and implement IT solutions required to satisfy DEE requirements and Program milestones

  • Help design, test, and implement secure operating systems, networks, and COTS software.

  • Perform basic risk assessments and document recommended upgrades.

Configuration & Security Management

  • Ensure that Program architecture and technology solutions comply with Enterprise policies, Government requirements, and cyber compliance.

  • Support configuration‑management (CM) for hardware, software, and firmware (tracking versions, patches, firmware updates).

  • Support the Infrastructure Configuration Control Board process to ensure that the IT systems are following approved processes.

  • Ensure systems have current virus signatures and conduct automated system scans.

Documentation & Maintenance

  • Work with IT Asset Management (ITAM) to maintain records for IT managed hardware (workstations, servers/storage, network devices, etc) and software (OS licenses, application licenses, etc).

  • Track backup procedures, disaster‑recovery plans, and patch compliance.

  • Execute test plans, trace requirements, and log verification results.

Tools & Methodologies

  • Use basic modeling/diagramming (e.g., simple architecture diagrams).

  • Gain exposure to MBSE tools (Cameo, Orbus) and requirement‑traceability matrices.

  • DOORs for requirement management.

Security Clearance

  • Must possess an active US Government Secret or higher security clearance (or active within the last 24 months) and be able to obtain a Top-Secret clearance.

  • Clearance must meet government customer criteria for the APEX Program.

Basic Qualifications: 

Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM or Business discipline and at least 2 years of relevant experience; 0 years with a Master's degree (Appropriate combination of educations and experience will be considered in lieu of the degree requirement).

Experience: 0‑3 years of IT or Systems Engineering experience (internships, co‑ops, or entry‑level roles).

Technical Exposure: Hands‑on work with IT infrastructure, virtualization, or cloud platforms (academic projects, labs, personal labs acceptable).

Security Clearance: Active US Government Secret (or recent) and ability to obtain Top‑Secret.

Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required for government‑cleared positions.

Soft Skills: Strong written & verbal communication, teamwork orientation, and willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications – Desired Technical Focus:

Virtualization: Familiarity with hyper‑visors (VMware, Hyper‑V) and virtual networking.

Data‑Center Basics: Understanding of rack‑mount hardware, power/cooling, and backup concepts.

Cloud Technologies: Exposure to AWS, Azure, or GCP services (IaaS/PaaS).

Networking: Knowledge of TCP/IP, VLANs, routing, firewalls, and basic network design.

Operating Systems: Experience with Windows Server and Linux (RHEL/CentOS) administration.

Scripting/Automation: Basic PowerShell, Bash, or Python scripts for routine tasks.

CIDO

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,300.00 - $118,900.00

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.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

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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