Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer – Network Architect

Northrop Grumman; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 142,200 - 213,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Travel 25%

Health insurance

Disability insurance

Savings plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking engineers to design and implement secure, resilient networks for defense programs and rapid field deployments. You will define topology, VPN and TACLANE configurations, and ensure security zones meet policy requirements for real-time applications.

Applicants should have STEM degrees and significant experience, plus an active US Secret clearance or eligibility for SAP. Travel up to 25% and relocation assistance may be available as part of the package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM with 8+ years of experience OR Master’s with 6+ years OR PhD with 4+ years.
• Experience designing and implementing secure, resilient networks for defense or aerospace programs.
• Experience with IPsec VPNs, SD‑WAN, TACLANE or secure tactical communications.
• Strong understanding of and experience with network monitoring, log aggregation, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience producing clear network diagrams and deployment guides for rapid field setup.
• Active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation) and ability to obtain SAP clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design the network topology and connectivity plan for a portable C2 demo, including VPN, SD-WAN, and TACLANE integrations.
• Ensure network security zones align with the Infrastructure & Security Lead’s policies and support BLOS communications with simulated aircraft.
• Define bandwidth, latency, and QoS requirements to meet real‑time performance of application software.
• Support the two‑person deployment process by providing rapid‑set‑up networking kits and documentation.

Job description

Relocation assistance may be available.

Travel: Yes, 25% of the time.

Job 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.

Key Program Responsibilities

• Design the network topology and connectivity plan for a portable C2 demo, including VPN, SD-WAN, and TACLANE integrations.
• Ensure network security zones align with the Infrastructure & Security Lead’s policies and support BLOS communications with simulated aircraft.
• Define bandwidth, latency, and QoS requirements to meet real‑time performance of application software.
• Support the two‑person deployment process by providing rapid‑set‑up networking kits and documentation.

Basic Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 8 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master’s degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 6 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.
• Experience designing and implementing secure, resilient networks for defense or aerospace programs.
• Experience with IPsec VPNs, SD‑WAN, TACLANE or secure tactical communications.
• Strong understanding of and experience with network monitoring, log aggregation, and integration with CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with producing clear network diagrams and deployment guides for rapid field setup.
• Must have an active US Government Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active U.S. Government Secret (or higher) Security Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
• Prior clearance to a Special Access Program (SAP) or Special Compartmentalized Information (SCI).
• Significant architecture, design, integration and test experience.
• Demonstrated success of stand‑up of complex networks and rapid field setup.

Salary and Benefits

Primary level salary range: $142,200.00 – $213,400.00. The salary range is a general guideline and may vary based on scope, responsibilities, experience, education, skills and market conditions. Employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, and, for certain positions, long‑term incentives. Health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company‑paid holidays, and paid time off for vacation or personal business are also available.

EEO Statement

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