SkillBridge - Network / Principal Network Communications Engineer

Northrop Grumman • , SD

2d • $68,200 - $102,400 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is hiring a Network Communications Engineer or Principal Network Communications Engineer for its Ground Systems Team in Ellsworth, South Dakota. This position supports network Strike Ground Systems and the Ground Communications Interface during military flight operations and maintenance. The work includes onsite field integration, troubleshooting, repair, testing, maintenance, and integration of communications and networking equipment in flightline, hangar, and command-and-control environments. The role also provides local network management and collaborates with partners, system administrators, maintainers, air crews, local support, Main Operation Bases, and Responsible Engineers.

This is a Northrop Grumman SkillBridge opportunity for eligible transitioning service members. Participants gain hands-on civilian work experience during the final phase of military service, with a work schedule equivalent to 40 hours per week. SkillBridge participation is unpaid by Northrop Grumman; participants continue to receive military compensation and benefits. Program eligibility includes at least 180 days of active duty, being within 12 months of separation or retirement, an expected honorable discharge, completion of service TAPS/TGPS, participation in an ethics brief within the last 12 months, and prior written authorization from the Unit Commander. The program may provide a path to a full-time opportunity after training, but does not guarantee conversion.

Requirements

• For the Network Communications Engineer level: a bachelor's degree and 2 years of experience, a master's degree and 0 years of experience, or 6 years of experience in lieu of a degree in a relevant field.
• For the Principal Network Communications Engineer level: a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience, a master's degree and 3 years of experience, or 9 years of experience in lieu of a degree in a relevant field.
• Relevant fields include Information Technology/Systems, Cybersecurity/Information Security, Network/System Administration, Computer/Data Science/Analytics, or Computer/Software/Electrical Engineering.
• Ability to be granted and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance; TOP SECRET clearance may be required in the future.
• Ability to obtain Special Access Programs access within a period determined by program and/or customer requirements as a condition of continued employment.
• Current CompTIA Security+ certification or higher.
• Experience designing and maintaining LAN, WAN, and cloud-based networks.
• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining network hardware.
• Experience configuring, installing, and maintaining encryption devices such as TACLANES.
• Experience with STIG compliance.
• Experience using network analysis tools such as Wireshark, Opnet, or SolarWinds.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Visio, Project, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work after hours and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

• 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 access to a specific Special Access Program.

Responsibilities

• Provide real-time support for network Strike Ground Systems during flight operations and maintenance, including communications and networking fault isolation, remediation, and resolution.
• 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 environments, including flightlines, hangars, and command-and-control centers.
• Follow checklists and procedures, and provide procedure redlines when needed.
• Work with a team to provide 24/7 onsite 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, Main Operation Bases, and Responsible Engineers.
• Support and lead air crew engagement on techniques for solving complex technical problems arising during operations.
• Assist Responsible Engineers with trend analysis as needed.
• Support review and analysis of supplier design data and define functional test requirements, including acceptance, qualification, and system integration.
• Take responsibility for testing, maintaining, and integrating communications and network equipment required for ground and flight operations.
• Work with system administrators, maintainers, and onsite personnel to troubleshoot and repair internal operational issues.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off for vacation and/or personal business.
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus, depending on the position.

What This Job Offers

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