Principal Cyber Systems Security Engineer
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Principal Cyber Systems Security Engineer
119,600–179,400 / Year
Location
United States-Maryland-Baltimore
Experience
Senior
Posted
Jul 7, 2026
Apply by
August 6, 2026
Applicants
0
Early applicantFull-timeWork from Office
Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
## **Description**
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.
We are looking for a Principal Cyber Systems Security Engineer to join our team in Baltimore, MD. This position requires 100% onsite work.
**What You Will Get to Do:**
As an integral part of our Systems Security Engineering Team you will be responsible for leading and providing hands-on experience in development of sensor payloads and complete mission security solutions assist our hardware and software security solutions.
**Roles & Responsibilities:**
- Implement and ensure compliance with government policies (e.g., JSIG, DAAPM) by reviewing process tailoring needs and approving documented procedures.
- Conduct thorough analyses to validate existing security requirements and develop additional safeguards as necessary to enhance system security.
- Support formal Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) processes mandated by government authorities through comprehensive pre-test preparations, active participation in testing, result analysis, and the preparation of required reports.
- Document findings from Assessment and Authorization activities, as well as technical and coordination efforts, while preparing and maintaining the system Security Plans and updating the Plan of Actions and Milestones (POA&M).
- Oversee and communicate the necessary analyses and modifications for system, subsystem, or sensor exportability, ensuring compliance with international standards.
- Collaborate effectively with program teams and global Business Development personnel to incorporate international requirements and features into design processes and drive product line initiatives for global market success.
- Demonstrate full life cycle development experience encompassing architecture design, trade studies, Cybersecurity requirements formulation, detailed design, unit testing, system testing, and validation and verification practices.
- Engage in strategic planning for Cybersecurity technology development to align with global strategic priorities and influence current and future policies.
- Utilize reverse engineering techniques to architect and validate effective Cybersecurity solutions.
- Actively participate in communities of practice to enhance domain knowledge and support continuous professional growth.
This position is contingent upon contract award, the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access.
**Basic Qualifications** **:**
- Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of experience, a Master’s degree with 3 years of experience or a PhD with 1 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- U.S Citizenship is required.
- A current/active DoD Secret Clearance.
- Ability to obtain/maintain Special Access Program (SAP).
- Experience with system engineering with DoD based Platforms, Sensors and/or Sub-systems. Including but not limited to: EO/IR, Embedded Software or Cryptography, Satellite, Architecture development, Hardware design, RF, Radar and Undersea Sensors, etc.
- Experience with requirements development, derivation, system integration & test and validation and verification
- Experience with Anti-tamper, Reverse Engineering and/or Risk Management Framework and Cyber Resiliency
**Preferred Qualifications:**
- Advanced degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields.
- Active Top Secret Clearance or higher.
- Experience with Hardware (Firmware) Assurance, Software Attack Surface Analysis Report, Select Software/Firmware Encryption, and Secure Key Handling
- Experience with identifying and mitigating software assurance vulnerabilities and performing integration testing of mitigation/resolution
- Experience with contributing to and/or making technical presentations to internal and external customers
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.
Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.
Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest of ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.
Primary Level Salary Range: $119,600.00 - $179,400.00
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.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement and ensure compliance with government policies such as JSIG and DAAPM.
- Conduct analyses to validate security requirements and develop additional safeguards.
- Support Security Test and Evaluation (ST&E) processes including pre-test preparation and result analysis.
- Document findings from Assessment and Authorization activities and maintain Security Plans and POA&Ms.
- Oversee analyses for system exportability and ensure compliance with international standards.
- Collaborate with program teams to incorporate international requirements into design processes.
- Demonstrate full life cycle development experience including architecture design, trade studies, and validation.
- Engage in strategic planning for Cybersecurity technology development.
- Utilize reverse engineering techniques to architect and validate Cybersecurity solutions.
- Participate in communities of practice to enhance domain knowledge.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Science
- Technology
- Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields
- Master’s degree in Science
- Technology
- Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields
- PhD in Science
- Technology
- Engineering or Mathematics or related technical fields
Skills Required
System EngineeringDoD PlatformsSensorsSub-systemsEO/IREmbedded SoftwareCryptographySatelliteArchitecture developmentHardware designRFRadarUndersea SensorsRequirements developmentSystem integrationTest and validationAnti-tamperReverse EngineeringRisk Management FrameworkCyber ResiliencyLeadershipCollaborationStrategic planningCommunicationHardware AssuranceSoftware Attack Surface AnalysisSelect Software/Firmware EncryptionSecure Key HandlingSoftware Assurance Vulnerability MitigationIntegration TestingTechnical Presentations
Benefits
- Health Plan
- Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Education Assistance
- Training and Development
- 9/80 Work Schedule
- Overtime
- Shift differential
- Discretionary bonus
- Long Term Incentives
- Life and disability insurance
- Company paid holidays
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