Northrop Grumman

Sr Staff Engineer - Network Systems Architect

Northrop Grumman$192K — $289K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 14+ years of experience in networking with a Bachelor's; 12 years with a Master's; or 10 years with a PhD.
  • Active Top Secret Clearance with ability to obtain SCI clearance.
  • Expertise in IPv4/IPv6 and dynamic routing protocols (e.g., IS-IS, OSPF, BGP).
  • Experience with L2 to L6 networking and carrier-grade solutions (TP-MPLS, SR-MPLS).
  • Familiarity with open-source management/control plane interfaces (gNMI, RPC, YANG models).
  • Leadership experience with a proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct ongoing research in proliferated space mesh networking.
  • Apply networking standards to space-ground networks.
  • Build emulated network architectures using GNS3, EVE-NG, and Containerlabs.
  • Work with major network vendor equipment (Cisco, Juniper, Nokia).
  • Tailor network design to meet system requirements and constraints.
  • Understand and implement Software Defined Networking (SDN) principles.
  • Deploy virtual router and switch images across various platforms.

Benefits

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

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: SCI

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Senior Staff Engineer - Network Systems Architect in Redondo Beach, CA. In this role, the successful candidate will lead the Network Emulation and Research Development team.  This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, forward-looking, and market-aware professional to drive cutting-edge innovation in the networking and technology space, with the ability to identify and capitalize on synergistic opportunities across diverse customer bases. The position demands a motivated self-starter who is highly collaborative and willing to participate in consortiums and shape industry standards.

The ideal candidate will have subject matter expertise level technical insight and experience for Northrop Grumman’s Proliferated Space Mesh Networking IR&D work. The position requires deep knowledge of OSI layers 2 – 6, SD-WAN, Software Defined Networking, carrier provider architecture, variable trust, use of abstraction and virtualization within networking to include Hypervisor, VM, and Container layers, Linux OS, cloud infrastructures (AWS, Azure, and GCP), and awareness of various CPU/GPU architectures (x86, ARM, AMD, etc.). This position is 100% on site and has a mixture of classified and unclassified work.

*Please be aware that this position is contingent upon capturing program award(s) and obtaining and maintaining associated business and/or customer funding. Furthermore, this position is contingent upon the candidate obtaining final clearances and program access(es) within a reasonable period of time as determined by the company


Responsibilities will include: 

  • Ongoing research in the emerging proliferated space mesh networking sector
  • Application of various open-source / commercial networking standards to specific space-ground networks
  • Building emulated network architectures in tools like GNS3, EVE-NG, and Containerlabs
  • Ability to work with all major network vendor equipment (Cisco, Juniper, Nokia, etc.)
  • Ability to tailor network design to unique system requirements and constraints
  • Apply a firm understanding of Software Defined Networking (SDN) paradigm and the SDN architecture (data plane, control plane, northbound/southbound interfaces, etc.)
  • Understanding of MPLS, IPv4/6, SR-MPLS, Traffic Engineering, Network Emulation, and Time Variant Routing
  • Comfortable with deploying virtual router and switch images on various hardware platforms
  • Awareness of cybersecurity controls, Zero-Trust Architecture and guidelines as they are applied to network architecture design

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have at least 14 Years experience with bachelor’s in science degree; 12 Years with Masters; or 10 Years with PhD
  • Active Top Secret Clearance with ability to obtain SCI at start
  • Extensive experience and knowledge of IPv4/IPv6, subnetting
  • Extensive experience and knowledge of L2 thru L6 networking
  • Solid understanding of dynamic routing protocols (i.e. IS-IS, OSPF, BGP)
  • Solid understanding of Carrier grade networking protocols and solutions such as TP-MPLS, SR-MPLS, PCEP
  • Experience in implementing open-source management/control plane interfaces (gNMI, RPC, YANG models, NETCONF, RESTCONF)
  • Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining cloud-native SDN controllers
  • Experience with DISA STIGs as they apply to network devices
  • Previous leadership experience
  • Strong ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, foster collaboration, and influence industry advancement

Preferred Qualifications:

  • SCI Clearance
  • Master’s Degree in a STEM discipline preferred
  • Experience with Cisco, Juniper, and Nokia applications
  • Experience with Software Defined Networking
  • Experience with various hypervisors (VMware, OpenShift, etc.)
  • Experience in virtual environments (required to help host virtual images of routers, etc. including containers, hypervisors, VMs
  • Experience with Crypto units such as HAIPE
  • Experience with AWS
  • Experience with Network Emulation (Containerlabs, EVE-NG, GNS3, etc.)
  • Mathematical understanding of common approaches to Networking and Traffic Engineering problems (i.e. Dijkstra’s Algorithm, Multi-Commodity Flow Problem)
  • CISSP, Cisco, and/or Juniper certifications
  • Knowledge of bridging hardware to software and virtual environments, including bridging virtual network ports to physical hardware
  • Knowledge of multiple hardware bases (x86, AMD, ARM)
  • Awareness of industry partners, technology disrupters, and
  • Experience with Subcontract management
  • Security+ or better certification
  • Adjudicated CI Poly
  • Familiarity with Space Architectures

Primary Level Salary Range: $192,800.00 - $289,200.00

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
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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