Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corp.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 188,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Annual bonuses

Long term incentives

Job summary

Northrop Grumman in San Diego seeks a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to support the SEIT team within the CNS Business Unit. You will design, implement, and review security controls aligned with NSA programs, RMF, and CMMC, ensuring robust cyber defense across the system.

The role requires DoD 8570 IAT II Security+ or higher, DoD citizenship, and strong collaboration with engineering teams to deliver secure solutions and compliant documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering or related field.
• Current DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification (Security+) or higher.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Experience translating technical concepts for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, implement, and assess security controls per RMF and CMMC.
• Prepare system Security Plans and update POA&M.
• Maintain security tools, centralized authentication, IDS/IPS.
• Provide cyber SME expertise to engineering teams.
• Support DoD STIGs and vulnerability management.

Skills

Security+ certification

DoD 8570 IAT II

US Citizenship

Linux/Windows Admin

Security concepts communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in science/engineering

Tools

ACAS

Splunk

ESS

NIST 800-series

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.DescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, we 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.Northrop Grumman is looking for a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to support our Systems Engineering Integration & Test (SEIT) department as part of the Connectivity and Networking Solutions (CNS) Business Unit (BU). As a member of the SEIT department you’ll work in a fast-paced team environment alongside engineers of all flavors to make our technologies a reality. This position will serve on-site at Spectrum Center, San Diego.Responsibilities:Design, plan, implement, and perform assessment of security controls, polices, and processes that are compliant with National Security Agency (NSA) programs and DoD wide frameworks such as Risk Management Framework (RMF) and CMMC.Participate in assessment of systems security controls to validate control implementation and identify weaknesses.Document the results of Certification and Accreditation activities, technical or coordination activity, prepare the system Security Plans, and update the POA&M.Periodically conduct a complete review of each system's audits and monitor corrective actions until all actions are closed Implementation, automation, configuration and maintenance of security tools, centralized authentication solutions, IDS/IPS, and compliance baselines.Provide advanced technical analyses of cyber infrastructure challenges and problems; develop/identify technical solutions responsive to customer needs.Participate in team reviews of technical requirements, design and implementation plans prior to deployment.Recommend and implement system enhancements that will improve the performance, reliability, and security of the system including installing, upgrading, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration.Serve as a Cyber SME supporting high-level technical and practical expertise.Assures the implementation of Cyber Security disciplines, including COMSEC, EMSEC, OPSEC, digital communications systems, network protocols and architectures, and penetration tools and techniques.Support the continuous assessment of Cyber Control compliance for systems within their responsibility.Basic Qualifications for a Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:Bachelors degree in science, engineering, or related discipline with 5 years of technical experience; or 3 years of relevant experience with a Masters degree; or 1 year with a PhDCurrent DoD 8570 IAT Level II Certification (Security+) or higher.Candidate must be a US CitizenExperience translating technical concepts and program information to others.Clearance: A current/active DoD Secret clearanceundefinedPreferred Qualifications for Principal Cyber Systems Engineer:In-depth knowledge of DoD 8500-series directives.Excellent communication (written and oral), negotiation and interpersonal skills necessary to support known activities/challenges working with engineering teams, management, customers, partners and government.System Administrator Experience with Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Windows SystemsIn-depth understanding of planning, design, and implementation necessary to support a large enterprise system.Working knowledge of NIST 800-series documentsExperience with configuring Security Incident Event Monitoring and IDS/IPS tools such as ACAS, ESS, and Splunk on Linux RedHat and Windows environments.Experience with vulnerability and compliance scanners such.Working experience deploying and configuring Linux and Windows systems in accordance with DoD STIG requirements.Experience in developing scripts to automate security processes.In-depth systems engineering knowledge to include understanding of systems engineering lifecycle.Experience in managing stakeholder expectations, programmatic risk management, and customer engagement.Primary Level Salary Range: $125,300.00 - $187,900.00The 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.