Sr Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

About the role

• RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
• CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
• CLEARANCE TYPE: 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.

Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Sr Principal System Security Engineer (SSE) to support the BQM-43 Targets program in Rancho Bernardo, CA. The selected candidate will apply systems engineering and cybersecurity disciplines across the program lifecycle, driving secure architectures, requirements, and implementations for the BQM-34 system.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Develop, decompose, and manage cyber and security requirements and ensure traceability through design, implementation, and test.
• Define and maintain system and subsystem security architectures for AISR&T Programs, aligning with RMF, NIST, and DoD guidance.
• Perform security risk assessments, threat modeling, and vulnerability analyses; recommend and track mitigation measures.
• Produce and maintain security-related engineering artifacts (CONOPS, ICDs, security plans, interface specifications, test procedures).
• Collaborate with software, hardware, network, and integration teams to embed security controls into designs and implementations.
• Perform scans on program systems and develop associated 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/mission partner technical interchange meetings.
• Prepare and deliver clear technical briefings and status to program leadership and customers.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related STEM discipline and 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in systems engineering and/or cybersecurity (requirements, architecture, integration, or test).
• Familiarity with government/industry security frameworks (e.g., NIST, RMF, DoD STIGs).
• Active DoD Secret clearance required to 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.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Pay and benefits

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.