Sr Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman • San Diego, CA

15h • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Sr Principal System Security Engineer to support the BQM-43 Targets program in Rancho Bernardo, California. The engineer will apply systems engineering and cybersecurity disciplines throughout the program lifecycle, driving secure architectures, requirements, and implementations for the BQM-34 system. The role requires on-site presence for classified work and lab or flight activities, and travel may be required for reviews, integration events, or customer meetings. The posting lists travel at 10% of the time and states that relocation assistance is not available. An active Secret clearance is required at the start; the selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain higher-level clearances if program needs evolve.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in systems engineering and/or cybersecurity, such as requirements, architecture, integration, or testing.
• Familiarity with government or industry security frameworks, such as NIST, RMF, and DoD STIGs.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required at the start, with the ability to obtain and maintain higher-level clearances if program needs evolve.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively on cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience on airborne ISR, mission systems, or tactical communications programs.
• Experience with the Risk Management Framework (RMF) in a DoD acquisition environment.
• Hands-on experience with secure network architectures, enclave design, cross-domain solutions, or platform/embedded systems security.
• Professional cybersecurity certifications, such as Security+, CISSP, or CEH, or relevant training.
• On-site presence to support classified work and lab/flight activities; some travel may be required for reviews, integration events, or customer meetings.

Responsibilities

• Develop, decompose, and manage cyber and security requirements, maintaining traceability through design, implementation, and testing.
• Define and maintain system and subsystem security architectures for AISR&T programs in alignment with RMF, NIST, and DoD guidance.
• Perform security risk assessments, threat modeling, and vulnerability analyses; recommend and track mitigation measures.
• Produce and maintain security engineering artifacts, including CONOPS, ICDs, security plans, interface specifications, and test procedures.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, network, and integration teams to incorporate security controls into designs and implementations.
• Scan program systems and develop findings reports and vulnerability analyses.
• Support security test planning and execution, review findings, and drive remediation activities.
• Participate in technical reviews, trade studies, and customer or mission-partner technical interchange meetings.
• Prepare and deliver technical briefings and status updates to program leadership and customers.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus.

What This Job Offers

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