Principal Engineer Network - Global NetOps Engr III (26-463)

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• CLEARANCE TYPE: Top Secret
• TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

About the role

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.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems—Missile Defense Integration offers an excellent opportunity for a Principal Engineer Network – Global NetOps Engr III (26-463) to join our team of skilled and diverse professionals. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, this role is essential to supporting the U.S. President, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels.

This position does not provide relocation assistance and requires on-site work with no remote options.

Position Overview

The Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) program serves as the integrating element of the Missile Defense System. It enables the U.S. president, the Secretary of Defense, and combatant commanders at the strategic, regional, and operational levels to:

• Systematically plan ballistic missile defense operations
• Maintain a shared, real‑time view of the battlespace
• Dynamically manage and synchronize networked sensors and weapons systems to achieve global and regional mission objectives

C2BMC supports a layered missile defense capability, enabling optimized responses to threats across all ranges and throughout all phases of flight. It is critical to all ground and flight tests that verify and exercise the capabilities of current and future missile defense systems. As a Global NetOps Engineer III on C2BMC, you will directly contribute to this mission and help deliver capabilities that protect the nation and its allies. Serve as a Global NetOps Engineer III supporting a complex, operational C2BMC network environment.

Essential Functions

• Use scripting and automation tools (Python, Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, etc.) to automate network configuration, deployment, and monitoring tasks
• Apply configuration management best practices using tools such as GitLab (or similar) to manage infrastructure‑as‑code, version control, and change tracking
• Develop, document, and maintain formal processes and procedures for deployment and operation of capabilities in an operational network environment
• Work within an Agile team to plan, estimate, and execute work in alignment with customer requirements and program contractual commitments
• Learn and understand the C2BMC System architecture and technologies, and apply that knowledge to design and implement solutions that meet system requirements
• Develop network‑related products and solutions to meet performance, security, and availability requirements while meeting deadlines and commitments
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving physical and logical network issues across routing, switching, firewalls, and related infrastructure
• Support real‑world events, operational missions, tests, and exercises, including participation during nights and weekends as required
• Collaborate closely with network engineers, system engineers, cybersecurity, and operations personnel to deliver integrated, mission‑ready capabilities
• Must be willing and able to support real‑world events, including nights and weekends, as mission needs dictate
• Must be able to work on‑site at COS‑83 (Colorado Springs, CO); deployment and travel may be required to support operational missions and exercises
• Perform other duties as required to support program and customer objectives

Basic Qualifications

Please list your current security clearance and IAT or relevant certifications on your resume, if applicable.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Network Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field from an accredited university, along with 5 years of experience; or a Master’s degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant work experience; or 9 years of relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative to a degree
• Applicants must have a current, active Government-Issued 8140 certification at IAT Level II or higher (such as Security+, GSEC, SCNP, SSCP, CISSP, CISA, GSE, SCNA, etc.) at the time of application, which is required to start. The candidate is responsible for maintaining their 8140 certifications throughout the entire contract period
• Applicants must have a current, active in-scope Government-issued Top Secret security clearance at the time of application, which is required to start
• Able and willing to travel to alternate work locations, including deployments, to perform job duties
• Effective communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear presentations and diagrams using Microsoft PowerPoint and Visio
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and, when required, independently on large field or implementation projects
• Strong desire to learn new technologies, apply IT engineering principles, and grow professionally in a mission‑focused environment
• Foundational understanding of IT infrastructure and computer science concepts equivalent to a 4‑year college level (or combined education/experience)

Technical Requirements

• Experience with scripting/programming languages, such as Python, JavaScript, PowerShell
• Experience (or strong familiarity) with orchestration and automation tools, such as Ansible, Chef, Puppet
• Understanding of networking devices and concepts, including Routing and switching, Firewalls and access control
• Ability to troubleshoot physical and logical network events and work through issues in both lab and operational environments
• Understanding of network security concepts and the ability to interpret and remediate STIG findings and vulnerabilities
• Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., GitLab or similar platforms) and basic DevSecOps practices for managing network and infrastructure changes

Preferred Qualifications

• Conceptual understanding of virtualization platforms, such as VMware, VirtualBox, Hyper‑V
• Hands‑on experience implementing or supporting network automation in an operational or mission‑critical environment
• Experience working in Agile or DevSecOps environments, participating in planning, daily standups, and iterative delivery
• Prior exposure to missile defense, command and control, or other DoD operational systems

Pay and benefits

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment that encourages your growth, benefiting both employees and the company. The benefits are flexible and customizable, enabling you to choose options that suit your individual and family needs. Your benefits will include the following:

• Health Plan
• Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Education Assistance
• Training and Development
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• #NGSpace
• #COSpace
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• #NetworkEngineering

Primary Level Salary Range

$94,200.00 - $141,200.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.