Northrop Grumman’s Aeronautics Systems sector is hiring a Principal or Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer to join their team in Rancho Bernardo, CA. The selected candidate will support programs by identifying cybersecurity risks and designing security solutions, requiring deep knowledge of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and expertise in developing RMF artifacts such as RARs, SSPs, POA&Ms, SARs, SCTMs, and ConMon plans to achieve an ATO. Daily tasks include authoring cybersecurity documentation, supporting architecture design, implementing MBSE-based cybersecurity requirements, providing guidance on system engineering implementation, and assessing verification methods. Ideal candidates will have a STEM degree combined with relevant professional experience, active DOD Secret clearance, and the ability to obtain Special Program Access. Preferred qualifications include weapon systems experience, Top-Secret clearance, CompTIA Security+ certification, RMF artifact development expertise, MBSE architecture work, and threat modeling using MITRE ATT&CK framework.
Skills
RMF
NIST SP 800-37
MITRE ATT&CK
MBSE
Cybersecurity Strategies
System Security Plans
Continuous Monitoring Plans
Risk Assessment Report
Security Control Traceability Matrix
Plan Of Actions & Milestones
Model Based System Engineering
CompTIA Security+
DoD Cyber Workforce Framework
What you'll do
Identify cybersecurity risks and develop remediation plans with stakeholders.
Design and implement system security solutions aligned with RMF requirements.
Author and maintain cybersecurity program documentation and RMF artifacts.
Provide guidance and oversight for technical teams on cybersecurity implementation.
Implement and assess verification/validation methods for cybersecurity systems.
What we're looking for
Bachelor’s degree in STEM field plus 5-8 years of related engineering experience
Active DOD Secret Security Clearance or higher granted/renewed within past 6 years
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (PAR/SAP)
Experience developing RMF assessment and authorization artifacts per NIST SP 800-37
Direct experience working on weapon systems in restricted facilities
Proficiency in Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) Architecture
Expertise in cybersecurity risk management, threat modeling, and continuous monitoring
Market check
Salary context
This
$125,300–$187,900
range sits above
38%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$124,650–$220,000
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$142,400–$214,500
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
Employer
About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company providing systems in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics. Industry: Aerospace & Defense
Northrop Grumman currently has
173 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$113,900–$170,950
across 168 roles with salary data.