Network Communications/ Principal Network Communications (Ellsworth AFB)

Northrop Grumman Corp. (JP); South Dakota; Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Sector is seeking a Network Communications professional to join our Ellsworth AFB, SD team. The role supports real-time flight operation networks, system integrations, and field troubleshooting across ground and flight environments.

The position requires active security clearance eligibility, STIG and LAN/WAN expertise, plus strong experience with network hardware and encryption devices. Travel is possible; a collaborative, on-call schedule is expected.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma and 6+ years in network communications/administration, or equivalent degree.
• Current CompTIA Security Plus certification.
• Experience with STIG compliance.
• Experience designing and maintaining LAN, WAN, and Cloud networks.
• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining network hardware.
• Experience configuring encryption devices (TACLANES).
• Experience in the use of network analysis tools (Wireshark, Opnet, SolarWinds).
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to lift equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Willingness for a flexible schedule, extended shifts, and on-call status 24/7/365.
• Ability to obtain and maintain final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide real time support for network Ground Systems during flight operations and maintenance, addressing issues related to communications and networking.
• Account for, control, and deploy equipment.
• Resolve connectivity and data movement issues between Ground Systems and external networks.
• Perform field integration, troubleshooting, and repair of communications systems in military environments.
• Adherence to checklists and procedures, and provide redlines when necessary.
• Work with a team to provide 24/7 on-site support for network operations of Ground Communications Interface.
• Provide local network management support through updates, configurations, and security patches.
• Communicate complex technical issues to local support, MOBs, and REs.
• Assist with trend analysis for REs.
• Test, maintain, and integrate Comms and Networks equipment for ground and flight operations.

Skills

CompTIA Security Plus

STIG compliance

LAN/WAN/Cloud networks

Network hardware

TACLANES encryption

Network analysis tools

Microsoft Office

Flexibility / on-call

Clearance eligibility

Education

High School diploma/GED

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Tools

WireShark

Opnet

SolarWinds

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% 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.

Network Communications / Principal Network Communications

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Sector is seeking a Network Communications/ Principal Network Communications to join our team of qualified individuals located at Ellsworth AFB, SD.

Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide real time support for network Ground Systems during flight operations and maintenance, addressing any issues related to communications and networking to include fault isolation, remediation, and resolution.

• Account for, control, and deploy equipment.

• Work with partners to resolve connectivity issues and data movement issues between Ground Systems and external networks.

• Perform field integration, troubleshooting, and repair of communications systems in military flight operations environment, including operations on flightline, in a hangar, and in command-and-control centers.

• Adherence to checklists and procedures to ensure repeated success and providing redlines to procedures when necessary.

• Work with a team to provide 24/7 on-site support for network operations of the Ground Communications Interface.

• Provide local network management support through updates, configurations, security patches, drawings, and feedback to the Responsible Engineers (REs).

• Communicate complex technical issues to local support, Main Operation Bases (MOBs), and Responsible Engineers (REs).

• Support and lead air crew engagement for proper techniques in solving complex analysis of technical problems that arise during operations.

• Assist with trend analysis as needed for Responsible Engineers (REs).

• Perform/support review and analysis of supplier design data and definition of functional test requirements including acceptance, qualification, and system integration.

• Take responsibility for the testing, maintenance, and integration of Comms and Networks equipment required to support ground and flight operations.

• Work with system admins, maintainers, and onsite personnel to troubleshoot and repair any internal operational issues.

This role may be filled as a Network Communications or a Principal Network Communications based on the qualifications outlined below.

Basic Qualifications for Network Communications

• Must have a High School diploma/GED and 6 years of relevant Network Communications/Administration experience; or an Associate’s Degree and 4 years of relevant Network Communications/Administration experience; or a Bachelor’s Degree and 2 years of Network Communications/Administration experience; or a Master’s Degree.

• Current CompTIA Security Plus (or higher) certification.

• Experience with STIG compliance.

• Experience designing and maintaining LAN, WAN, and Cloud based networks.

• Experience with configuring, installing, and maintaining network hardware.

• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining encryption devices (TACLANES).

• Experience in the use of network analysis tools (i.e. WireShark, Opnet, SolarWinds, etc.).

• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.

• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Must be willing/able to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days- a-week, and 365 days a year.

• Your ability to obtain and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Network Communications

• Must have a High School diploma/GED and 9 years of relevant Network Communications/Administration experience; or an Associate’s Degree and 7 years of relevant Network Communications/Administration experience; or a Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of Network Communications/Administration experience; or a Master’s Degree and 3 years of Network Communications/Administration experience.

• Current CompTIA Security Plus (or higher) certification.

• Experience with STIG compliance.

• Experience designing and maintaining LAN, WAN, and Cloud based networks.

• Experience with configuring, installing, and maintaining network hardware.

• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining encryption devices (TACLANES).

• Experience in the use of network analysis tools (i.e. WireShark, Opnet, SolarWinds, etc.).

• Experience with Microsoft Office suite.

• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Must be willing/able to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days- a-week, and 365 days a year.

• Your ability to obtain and maintain the final adjudicated U.S. government Secret clearance (must be in-scope or enrolled in Continuous Evaluation) and any program access(es) required for the position within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the Company.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. government Top Secret clearance

• Special Program Access

• Experience with remote cloud architecture.

• Experience working in an Air Force flightline environment

• Experience working with Air Force flight communications systems

• Experience working on aircraft (i.e. Predator, Global Hawk, etc.) communication systems

#ASMT #MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $68,200.00 - $102,400.00

Secondary Level Salary Range: $84,700.00 - $127,100.00

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.

Job Category: Information Technology