Cyber Systems Engineer - Uncleared AISR&T - Level 3 or 4

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 125,000 - 235,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems seeks a Principal or Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer for the AISR&T program in Rancho Bernardo, CA. You will apply systems engineering and cybersecurity throughout the program lifecycle, driving secure architectures and requirements for mission-critical airborne ISR systems.

The role requires strong written and verbal communication, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to obtain/maintain a US Government Secret clearance.

Qualifications

• Must have a STEM degree with relevant military/professional experience or higher-level degrees as stated.
• Experience with government/industry security frameworks (NIST/RMF/DoD STIGs).
• Ability to obtain/maintain US Government Secret or higher clearance within required timelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop, decompose, and manage cyber and security requirements with traceability through design, implementation, and test.
• Define and maintain system and subsystem security architectures for AISR&T programs.
• Perform security risk assessments, threat modeling, and vulnerability analyses; track mitigations.
• Produce security artifacts (CONOPS, ICDs, security plans, interface specs, test procedures).
• Collaborate with software, hardware, network, and integration teams to embed security controls.
• Perform scans on program systems and develop findings reports and analyses.
• Support security test planning and remediation activities; participate in technical reviews.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings to program leadership and customers.

Skills

Cybersecurity

Systems engineering

RMF/DoD guidance

Threat modeling

Security architectures

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's degree in STEM

PhD in STEM

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has an opening for a Principal or Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to support the AISR&T program in Rancho Bernardo, CA. In this role, you will apply systems engineering and cybersecurity disciplines across the program lifecycle, driving secure architectures, requirements, and implementations for mission‑critical airborne ISR and tactical systems. Success in this role will be critically rely on your strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work effectively on cross‑functional teams.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop, decompose, and manage cyber and security requirements and ensure traceability through design, implementation, and test.
• Define and maintain system and subsystem security architectures for AISR&T Programs, aligning with RMF, NIST, and DoD guidance.
• Perform security risk assessments, threat modeling, and vulnerability analyses; recommend and track mitigation measures.
• Produce and maintain security‑related engineering artifacts (CONOPS, ICDs, security plans, interface specifications, test procedures).
• Collaborate with software, hardware, network, and integration teams to embed security controls into designs and implementations.
• Perform scans on program systems and develop associated findings reports and vulnerability analyses
• Support security test planning and execution, review findings, and drive remediation activities.
• Participate in technical reviews, trade studies, and customer/mission partner technical interchange meetings.
• Prepare and deliver clear technical briefings and status to program leadership and customers.

Basic Qualifications

• At a Principal Level (Level 3): Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 5 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 3 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 1 year of relevant military / professional / academic experience
• At a Senior Principal Level (Level 4): Must have a Bachelors of Science degree in a STEM field and at least 8 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a Master's Degree in a STEM field and at least 6 years of relevant military / professional experience, OR a PhD and at least 4 years of relevant military / professional experience
• And at Both Levels: Must have experience with government/industry security frameworks (e.g., NIST, RMF, DoD STIGs). Must have the ability to obtain and maintain US Government Secret or higher clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in systems engineering and/or cybersecurity (requirements, architecture, integration, or test).
• Experience on airborne ISR, mission systems, or tactical communications programs.
• Experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) within DoW acquisition environment
• Hands‑on experience with secure network architectures, enclave design, cross-domain solutions, or platform/embedded systems security.
• Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and practices.
• Professional cybersecurity certifications (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CEH) or relevant training.

Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $156,400.00 - $234,600.00

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.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO.

U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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We are a pioneering company. With careers across all areas: air, cyber, land, sea and space – our 90,000 employees work as one to defend and define the future. Northrop Grumman careers and internships are as varied as your interests, with a lifetime of potential that will give you every opportunity to do your best work. Working together with people from many backgrounds, personal passions and disciplines, we share a drive to push the boundaries of science, technology and engineering to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide.