Principal / Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman • Los Angeles, CA

2d • $125,300 - $234,600 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a Principal or Senior Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to join its Specialty Engineering Team in Woodland Hills, California. The role supports the company’s digital transformation, using Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps, and Agile practices to develop and deliver national defense products and capabilities. The successful candidate will work collaboratively and contribute to a team culture emphasizing shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and automation.

The Cyber Systems Engineer performs cybersecurity work to implement the Risk Management Framework (RMF), including selecting and implementing security controls that meet government standards. The position interfaces with engineering teams using Agile development methods and applies knowledge of RMF and government cybersecurity requirements for weapons systems. The employee serves as an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), supporting security compliance and assessment activities. This is a fully onsite position in Woodland Hills, California, with a 9/80 schedule and travel of approximately 10%.

The requisition may be filled at the Principal or Senior Principal level. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance. Relocation assistance may be available.

Requirements

• For the Principal level: Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree plus 3 years, or Ph.D. plus 1 year.
• For the Senior Principal level: Bachelor’s degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, Master’s degree plus 6 years, or Ph.D. plus 4 years.
• Possess DoD 8570 IAT Level II certification or greater, such as Security+.
• Demonstrated experience in governance, risk, and compliance, and in implementation and assessment of security controls.
• Working knowledge of DoD 8500.01, DoD 8510.01, NIST 800-37, NIST 800-53, and NIST 800-171.
• Working knowledge of DISA Secure Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), vulnerability remediation, System Security Plans (SSPs), Plans of Actions and Milestones (POA&Ms), remediation planning, security assessments, auditing, cloud security, Security Development Operations (SecDevOps), and Static Application Security Testing (SAST).
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance.
• Fundamental knowledge of DoD Systems Engineering practices, network technologies, system development life cycles and methodologies, and information technology infrastructure management, monitoring, and applications.
• Ability to understand how assigned tasks fit within program operational objectives and perform work accordingly.
• Strong verbal and written communication, teamwork, and analytical skills, with an interest in applying troubleshooting skills and techniques to solve problems.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a technical emphasis, such as Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.
• Active Secret DoD security clearance.
• Excellent written and oral communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to support work with engineering teams, management, customers, partners, and government.

Responsibilities

• Perform cybersecurity tasks to implement the Risk Management Framework, including selecting and implementing security controls to meet applicable government standards.
• Interface with engineering teams practicing Agile development methods and apply knowledge of RMF and government cybersecurity requirements applicable to weapons systems.
• Develop and document technical documentation and procedures as needed.
• Participate in team reviews of technical requirements, design, and implementation plans prior to deployment.
• Recommend and implement system enhancements to improve performance, reliability, and security, including installation, upgrading, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration.
• Ensure systems are operated, maintained, and disposed of in accordance with internal security policies and practices outlined in the security plan.
• Provide analysis, design, development, implementation, and security assessments to ensure compliance with NIST SP 800-53 and DoD RMF Knowledge Service guidance.
• Serve as an Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO), providing high-level technical and practical expertise.
• Support continuous assessment of Information Assurance control compliance for the program.
• Perform peer reviews of customer-facing cybersecurity documentation.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonuses
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior