SkillBridge - Network / Principal Network Communications Engineer

0090 CORP-Corporate Office; United States; On-site; USD 105,800 - 158,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life and disability insurance

Savings plan

Company-paid holidays

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems seeks a Network and Principal Network Communications Engineer to join the Ground Systems Team in Ellsworth, SD. You will provide real-time support for network ground systems during flight operations, address connectivity issues, deploy equipment, and maintain LAN/WAN and cloud networks.

The position requires a DoD Secret clearance, a relevant degree, and experience with network analysis tools, encryption devices, STIG compliance, and field integration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of experience; or Master’s with no experience; or 6 years in lieu of degree in IT/Systems/Cybersecurity/Network/Computer fields.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years; or Master’s with 3 years; or 9 years in lieu of degree; must obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Current CompTIA Security+ or higher certification.
• Experience designing and maintaining LAN, WAN, and Cloud-based networks.
• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining network hardware.
• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining encryption devices (TACLANES).
• Experience with STIG compliance.
• Experience with network analysis tools such as Wireshark, Opnet, SolarWinds, etc.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Visio, Project, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Provide real-time support for network Ground Systems during flight operations and maintenance.
• 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 flight ops.
• Adhere to checklists and procedures; provide redlines to procedures when necessary.
• 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 Responsible Engineers.
• Communicate complex technical issues to local support, MOBs, and Responsible Engineers.
• Support and lead air crew engagement for proper techniques in solving technical problems during operations.
• Assist with trend analysis for Responsible Engineers.
• Test, maintain, and integrate Comms and Networks equipment for ground and flight ops.
• Work with system admins and onsite personnel to troubleshoot and repair issues.

Skills

LAN/WAN

Cloud networks

Network hardware

Encryption devices

STIG compliance

Network analysis tools

Microsoft Office suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/Systems/Cybersecurity/Net Admin

Master’s degree with relevant experience

Tools

Wireshark

Opnet

SolarWinds

Job description

Job Summary

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Network and Principal Network Communications Engineer to join the Ground Systems Team in Ellsworth, SD.

Relocation Assistance

No relocation assistance available.

Security Clearance

Required for the start of the role: No. Clearance type: Secret. Ability to be granted and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance. May be required to attain TOP SECRET clearance in the future.

Travel

Yes, 10% of the time.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide real-time support for network Strike Ground Systems during flight operations and maintenance, addressing issues related to communications and networking.
• Account for, control, and deploy equipment.
• Work with partners to resolve connectivity and data movement issues between Ground Systems and external networks.
• Perform field integration, troubleshooting, and repair of communications systems in military flight operations environment.
• Adhere to checklists and procedures; provide redlines to procedures when necessary.
• 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.
• Communicate complex technical issues to local support, Main Operation Bases (MOBs), and Responsible Engineers.
• Support and lead air crew engagement for proper techniques in solving technical problems during operations.
• Assist with trend analysis as needed for Responsible Engineers.
• Perform/support review and analysis of supplier design data and definition of functional test requirements including acceptance, qualification, and system integration.
• Take responsibility for 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.

SkillBridge Program Participation

Eligible service members may participate in a 6-month, 180-day program to gain hands‑on experience in a professional setting during the final phase of military service.

• Work on site with a host company on a 40-hour per week schedule.
• Gain job skills training, professional development, and networking with leadership.
• Receive training focused on NG leadership principles, company history, customer/stakeholder engagement, product and service overview, and core job responsibilities.
• Opportunity to transition to a full-time position at Northrop Grumman upon completion.

Basic Qualifications

• Network Communications Engineer: Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of experience; or Master’s degree with no experience; or 6 years’ experience in lieu of degree in Information Technology/Systems, Cybersecurity/Information Security, Network/System Administration, Computer/Data Science/Analytics, or Computer/Software/Electrical Engineering.
• Principal Network Communications Engineer: Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of experience; or Master’s degree with 3 years experience; or 9 years experience in lieu of degree in the same fields; must obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Current CompTIA Security+ (or higher) certification.
• Experience designing and maintaining LAN, WAN, and Cloud-based networks.
• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining network hardware.
• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining encryption devices (TACLANES).
• Experience with STIG compliance.
• Experience with network analysis tools such as Wireshark, Opnet, SolarWinds, etc.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Visio, Project, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to lift equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with remote cloud architecture.
• Experience working in an Air Force flightline environment.
• Experience working with Air Force flight communications systems.
• Active DoD SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance.
• Active Specific Special Access Program access.

Salary & Benefits

Primary Level Salary Range: $105,800.00 - $158,600.00.

Optional: Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonus, and, for certain positions, Long Term Incentives.

Benefits include health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.