below marketmost similar roles pay hereabove market
This role pays less than
85%
of similar roles. Most pay
$139,500–$208,800
— the blue band above.
At the midpoint, this role pays about
$130k
versus about
$174k
for comparable roles.
Based on 240 similar postings.
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
629 open roles
on FindRole.
Listed pay typically runs
$117,500–$176,300
across 314 roles with salary data.
JOB TITLE: Principal Network Engineer
The Principal Network Engineer joins the Network Communications and Visibility team within the IT Infrastructure and Operations organization. This role focuses on supporting the Redondo Beach campus and remote sites while managing enterprise-wide network footprint responsibilities. The engineer will design, implement, and maintain high availability network infrastructure, producing design review packages, schematics, and implementation schedules. Daily tasks include installing Cisco core equipment, coordinating cabling projects, and providing Tier 2/3 troubleshooting for WAN, LAN, and SD-WAN environments. Key technologies include Cisco routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers, and cellular technology, alongside Juniper and Palo Alto systems. The role requires expertise in TCP/IP, OSPF, multicast, and QoS to ensure secure communications and network segmentation in compliance with government and NIST guidelines.
What does a Network Engineer earn in California?
Median $171500 from 34 postings across 11 companies.
Plan, design, and deploy site and enterprise-level network solutions following company standards.
Produce comprehensive design review packages including schematics, bills of materials, and implementation schedules.
Install and commission Cisco core network equipment including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless controllers.
Provide Tier 2/3 troubleshooting for WAN, LAN, and SD-WAN environments to ensure 99.9% availability.
Execute hardware replacements, software upgrades, and maintain accurate documentation in the configuration management database.
Serve as the primary technical liaison with vendors for escalations and new service onboarding.
Implement and enforce network security policies for segmentation and vulnerability remediation per NIST guidelines.
Mentor junior engineers on networking best practices and participate in after-action reviews.
What we're looking for
Must have an Associate’s degree with 7 years of experience, Bachelor’s with 5 years, Master’s with 3 years, PhD with 1 year, or High School Diploma with 9 years.
Must have experience with managed network solutions and large-scale technical network engineering projects.
Must have experience with Cisco Router and Switch equipment, Cisco Firewall Network Equipment, Cisco Wireless Technology, and Cellular Technology.
Must have strong knowledge of the TCP/IP protocol and Cisco Router and Switch products.
Must have knowledge and experience with LAN/WAN protocols and technologies such as multicast, QoS, CoS, and OSPF.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret level security clearance.
U.S. Citizenship is required.
Experience with SDWAN methodologies, leading enterprise projects, or Project Management certification (preferred).