Northrop Grumman

Lead Databricks Data Security Engineer

Northrop Grumman • $142K — $213K *
Falls Church, VA 22042In-Person
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and 8+ years of experience in Software or Data Engineering with a focus on data platform security; Master's degree with 6+ years can substitute.
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience with Databricks Unity Catalog security features.
  • Experience designing and implementing RBAC and ABAC models at scale in Databricks Unity Catalog.
  • Fluency in identity and federation patterns including SCIM and integration with enterprise identity providers like Entra ID.
  • Proficient in Python and SQL for automation, monitoring, and compliance tasks.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of RBAC and ABAC within Databricks Unity Catalog.
  • Define security architecture for data access including dynamic views and row-level security.
  • Develop identity governance approach within Databricks, integrating with enterprise identity providers.
  • Translate compliance requirements into practical technical controls.
  • Establish data classification standards and tagging structures for scalable access control.
  • Implement grants and access controls as code using Terraform and/or Databricks Asset Bundles.
  • Create templates and workflows for data engineers to manage access while maintaining security.

Benefits

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

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Lead Databricks Data Security Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and governance of access control across our Databricks Lakehouse environment. This role will serve as the senior technical owner of the data access control model, defining the architecture, establishing engineering standards, and translating security and compliance requirements into scalable technical controls. The selected candidate will play a key role in building the Databricks security function and will work closely with data engineering, platform engineering, and enterprise stakeholders. This is a hands-on software engineering and architecture role that requires both strategic leadership and direct technical implementation.

The primary location of this position will be Falls Church, VA. We will allow for fulltime telework as well.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design and implementation of RBAC and ABAC within Databricks Unity Catalog, including data structure, access models, and tagging standards.


  • Define the security architecture for data access, including dynamic views, row-level security, and column masking.
  • Develop the identity governance approach for Databricks, including service principals, workload identities, and integration with enterprise identity providers.


  • Translate regulatory, contractual, and compliance requirements into practical technical controls within the platform.


  • Establish and maintain data classification standards and tagging structures that support scalable access control.


  • Implement grants, catalogs, tags, and access controls as code using Terraform and/or Databricks Asset Bundles to support version control and audit readiness.


  • Work closely with workspace administrators and platform engineers to align workspace, compute, secrets, and network controls with the broader data access strategy.


  • Create guardrails, templates, and streamlined workflows that allow data engineers to manage access appropriately while maintaining strong security controls.


Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and at least 8 years as a Software Engineer or Data Engineer with a heavy focus on data platform security and security automation; Master's degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience.
  • At least 2 years of hands on experience implementing Databricks Unity Catalog security features.


  • Demonstrated experience designing and implementing RBAC and ABAC models at scale, including hands on experience with Databricks Unity Catalog, grants, dynamic views, row and column level filtering and masking.


  • Fluency with identity and federation patterns including SCIM, service principals, and integration with enterprise identity providers such as Entra ID.


  • Experience applying infrastructure-as-code practices, preferably Terraform to access, tagging, and policy management in Databricks.


  • Proficiency in Python and SQL for automation, monitoring, and compliance.


Preferred Qualifications

  • The ability to obtain a government security clearance
  • Working onsite full time in Falls Church, VA
  • Master's degree


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

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
Aerospace & Defense
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ
NOC
* Ladders Estimates

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